Planetary scientist Robert Sullivan dies at 63
Robert John Sullivan, Jr., one of the world’s foremost authorities on aeolian processes -- how wind can carve and change a landscape -- died Feb. 15 in Ithaca.
The department places strong emphasis on the participation of students in ongoing research projects and strives to foster an interdisciplinary approach to solving astronomical problems by maintaining strong ties with other departments. Many undergraduate and graduate alumni of Cornell astronomy have become leaders in the field.
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Astronomy News
Astronomer Anna Ho named Cottrell Scholar
Ho is one of 24 early career scholars to receive $120,000 for proposals incorporating research and science education.
Gravitational wave signal tests Einstein’s theory of general relativity
When two black holes merge, the collision rings like a bell, emitting specific tones characterized by two numbers.
Novel way to detect signals from stellar and exoplanetary systems unveiled
Thanks to this innovation, scientists have discovered new radio bursts originating from dwarf stars and possibly from exoplanets.
Fossiles to fortepianos: The Hill's 'mini-museums' and collections
The next time you visit Ithaca, check out exhibits on Chimes history, astronomical instruments, historical keyboards and so much more
$1.5M grant boosts postdoctoral research across 4 colleges
In 2026, the from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will begin funding 10 two-year postdoctoral appointments including three in astronomy, chemistry and physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Pandora satellite launches for exoplanet observation
Tasked with studying exoplanet systems around small stars, the refrigerator-sized satellite is the first in NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers program – small-scale missions designed to train early-career scientists, including Trevor Foote, Ph.D. ’24, a former member of the research group led by faculty member Nikole Lewis.
Cornell astronomer honored for achievement in observational research
With the 2026 Newton Lacy Pierce Prize, the American Astronomical Society recognizes Anna Y. Q. Ho’s pioneering investigations of extreme explosions powered by stellar death.