Cornell astronomy to offer Brinson Prize
The Brinson Prize supports postdoctoral scholars in carrying out novel research in observational cosmology.
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Exploration that spans the universe
Department of Astronomy
Astronomy News
Webb telescope finds carbon source on Jupiter’s Europa 
Astronomers using data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have identified carbon dioxide on the icy surface of Europa – one of a handful of worlds in our solar system that could potentially harbor conditions suitable for life.
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Decadal survey sets agenda for biological, physical sciences in space
A&S Astronomy and Cornell Center for Astrophysical and Planetary Science (C-CAPS) faculty are key to “Thriving in Space,” released Sept. 12.
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Over 80 students receive NSF graduate fellowships
Eighty-four students have been selected as National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) fellows in 2023, comprising the largest group of new fellows Cornell has ever fielded in one year.
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‘Thermometer’ molecule confirmed on exoplanet WASP-31b
Researchers have discovered a molecule that could determine the temperature and other characteristics in exoplanets.
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James Webb Space Telescope sees Jupiter moons in a new light
A Cornell astronomer who is part of JWST’s Early Release Science program report the first detection of hydrogen peroxide on Ganymede and sulfurous fumes on Io, both the result of Jupiter’s domineering influence.
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New support fund for astronomy graduate students announced
The Riccardo Giovanelli Graduate Student Support Fund was announced July 15 at “Gas-trophysics Across the Universe.”
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Science plans for telescope’s first light focus of CCAT Consortium meeting
“This was a critical meeting as we are less than two years out from anticipated first light with the facility," said project director Gordon Stacey.
Read moreTogether the Department of Astronomy and Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science represent one of the world’s leading institutes for space science with over 110 active researchers. Research emphases include cosmology, solar system exploration, exoplanet science, and fundamental astrophysics. Graduate students, early career researchers and undergraduates, are actively engaged in current NASA missions, NSF consortia, and CCAT-Prime/FYST. The department and center also run an extensive and robust outreach program to the broader community.
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Department of Astronomy research
The Department of Astronomy is a leading center of astrophysics and planetary science research.
Visit CCAPS, the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Research spotlight
Laura Flagg and a Cornell-led team of researchers have confirmed, using high-resolution spectral observations, the presence of chromium hydride in an exoplanet atmosphere of the hot Jupiter WASP-31b, opening the door to use this temperature-sensitive molecule species as a “thermometer” to determine the temperature and other characteristics in exoplanets.
Undergraduate program
The Astronomy Major at Cornell University is designed to be flexible so that it can be customized to the needs of each student.
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Graduate program
Astronomy offers a wide variety of world-class research opportunities in astronomy, astrophysics and space science, with strong multidisciplinary connections, and a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Reaching beyond campus
In the spirit of the renowned Cornell Professor Carl Sagan, the Department of Astronomy reaches beyond campus in numerous ways. The Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility (SPIF) is a repository of spacecraft data, a facilitator of research, and a hub for PreK-12 education and public outreach activities. Ask an Astronomer has been answering questions from the curious since 1997. The Cornell Astronomical Society conducts viewing nights at the Fuertes Observatory and offers educational programing to the public.