Lucas Adrian Stern was born on 14 June 1976 in Melbourne, Australia, to Robert and Eleanor Stern. Robert was a physics professor at the University of Melbourne, and Eleanor was an accomplished artist known for her celestial-themed paintings. Growing up in a household where science and art coexisted harmoniously, Lucas developed a fascination for the stars and the mysteries of the universe from an early age. His father’s academic influence and his mother’s artistic vision combined to shape his unique perspective on the cosmos.

Lucas attended Melbourne Grammar School, where he excelled in both the sciences and the arts. His inquisitive nature and stellar academic performance earned him a scholarship to study astrophysics at the University of Sydney. During his undergraduate years, Lucas immersed himself in research, contributing to several significant projects on stellar formation and galactic evolution. His dedication and innovative approach to astrophysics quickly garnered the attention of his professors and peers.

After completing his undergraduate degree with honours in 1998, Lucas pursued a PhD in Astronomy at the Australian National University. His doctoral thesis on the dynamics of binary star systems received widespread acclaim, establishing him as a promising young scientist in the field. Following his PhD, Lucas undertook postdoctoral research at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, where he worked on high-precision spectroscopy and contributed to the discovery of several exoplanets.

In 2010, Lucas returned to Australia and joined the faculty at the University of Queensland as an associate professor of astronomy. His engaging teaching style and passion for the subject inspired countless students. Lucas’s research continued to thrive, focusing on the study of dark matter and the large-scale structure of the universe. His findings were published in numerous prestigious journals, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary astronomy.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Lucas had a profound love for nature and often spent his weekends hiking and stargazing in the remote areas of Queensland. His wife, Emily, whom he met during his postdoctoral years in Chile, shared his love for the outdoors and often accompanied him on these excursions. The couple had two children, Sophie and Liam, who inherited their parents' curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

In August 2018, Lucas volunteered to lead an astronomy session during a school trip to Mount Nebo Campground, organised by Brisbane Grammar School. The event, designed to inspire students with the wonders of the night sky, quickly became a highlight of the trip. Alongside David Nguyen, Lucas set up telescopes and guided the students through an enthralling stargazing session, sharing his vast knowledge and igniting their imaginations.

The evening was filled with excitement as Lucas and David introduced the students to the marvels of the universe, pointing out constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. The session provided a memorable experience for everyone involved, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of the cosmos.

After the successful session, Lucas continued his work at the University of Queensland and his research in astronomy. The Brisbane School Bus Tragedy, which saw the bus carrying the students and teachers disappear through a mysterious portal the following day, left a profound impact on him. Although he was not directly affected by the incident, having not been on the bus, the event reminded him of the fragility of life and the importance of scientific exploration in understanding the unknown.

Lucas remained committed to his academic and research pursuits, often reflecting on the night he spent with the students and the shared wonder of the night sky. His dedication to his work and his passion for inspiring others continued to drive him forward, even as the mystery of the portal and the fate of the bus lingered in his mind.