Excellence in Space Sciences
From Earth to the edge of the universe, UC Santa Cruz makes giant impacts in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science. We are pioneering new technologies for giant telescopes, adaptive optics, and gamma-ray astrophysics; discovering planets beyond our solar system and the most distant galaxies in the universe; and reshaping paradigms in cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. From NASA missions to the UC Observatories, we help people see what has never been seen before.
Latest news
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NSF honors astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz among Hispanic leaders in science
In recognition of their efforts and Hispanic Heritage Month, the National Science Foundation profiled eight leaders in their fields.
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Astronomer Natalie Batalha to receive Alumni Achievement Award
After serving as science lead for NASA’s Kepler Mission from 2011 to 2017, Batalha is returning to UC Santa Cruz as a professor of astronomy and astrophysics.
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Three UCSC professors honored as Fellows of the California Academy of Sciences
Biologist Beth Shapiro and astronomers Claire Max and Natalie Batalha are among 14 new fellows elected to the California Academy of Sciences for 2018.
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NSF grant funds program to increase diversity in physics and astronomy
The Cal-Bridge program has received a $5 million grant to support Ph.D. pathways at 24 campuses.
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First-year Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam survey results yield cosmological constraints
UC Santa Cruz astronomer Alexie Leauthaud has been involved in the HSC survey project from the beginning of the survey.
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Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz elected fellow of American Physical Society
Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, professor and chair of astronomy and astrophysics, has been elected an APS Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contributions to physics.
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Planetary scientist Francis Nimmo awarded 2018 Farinella Prize
Francis Nimmo, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, was awarded the 2018 Paolo Farinella Prize at the European Planetary Science Congress in Berlin.
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NSF funds powerful new supercomputer for UC Santa Cruz researchers
The new high-performance computer system will support research in theoretical astrophysics, climate science, materials science, and other fields.
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Gifts to UC Santa Cruz fund new presidential chair for diversity in astronomy
UCSC astronomer Sandra Faber and her husband made the lead gift to establish an endowed chair named in honor of Faber's mentor, distinguished astronomer Vera Rubin.
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VERITAS supplies critical piece to neutrino discovery puzzle
The VERITAS array has confirmed the detection of gamma rays from the vicinity of a supermassive black hole that is potentially the first known astrophysical source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos.
Related Links
Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences Research
Astronomy and Astrophysics Department
Earth and Planetary Sciences Department
Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics
UC High-Performance Astrocomputing Center
Other Selected Links
Video Spotlight
Astronomer Royal, Martin Rees
From quasars to black holes, Martin Rees is at the center of astronomical research.
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