Born in 1951 in Provence, Jean-Pierre Luminet is an astrophysicist, writer, and international lecturer.

A researcher at the C.N.R.S. since 1979, he worked at the Paris Observatory until 2014. Currently an Emeritus Research Director at the Laboratory of Astrophysics of Marseille, his scientific work on black holes and cosmology has earned him international acclaim. He has received numerous international awards, and asteroid number 5523 is named in his honor in recognition of his contributions. He is also an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters.

In addition to his scientific activities, he is a versatile author, working as a poet, essayist, novelist, and screenwriter. His multifaceted work intertwines science, history, music, and art. He has published thirty-five books, including essays, novels, and poems, which have been translated into fifteen languages.