Department of Astronomy

A novel algorithm developed by University of Washington researchers to discover asteroids in the solar system has proved its mettle. The first candidate asteroids identified by the algorithm — known as Tracklet-less Heliocentric Orbit Recovery, or THOR — have been confirmed by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center, according to a May 31 announcement by the B612 Foundation.

The cosmos has reserved for you a moment, in the early hours between May 4 and 5, to just let go and immerse yourself in the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. Jessica Werk, associate professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

Astronomers have issued an Earth Day call for environmentalism to be extended more fully to the final frontier, and for companies such as SpaceX and Amazon to dial back their plans for mega-constellations. Meredith Rawls, a research scientist in the UW Department of Astronomy, is quoted.

A new generation of scientists is challenging the biased, hierarchical status quo in astronomy. The UW's Jessica Werk, Sarah Tuttle, and Emily Levesque, discuss.

Eric Bellm, research assistant professor of astronomy, explains how SpaceX's Starlink satellites may interfere with astronomy.

Professor Željko Ivezić has been appointed as the next Director of the project.

Emily Levesque, associate professor of astronomy explains what it's
like to be a professional astronomer in her new book "The Last Stargazers."

James Davenport, a research assistant professor of astronomy, explains his new research on superflares.

Hubble fans, rejoice. After more than a month with its camera eye closed, the famed Hubble Space Telescope is snapping photos of the cosmos once more. Julianne Dalcanton, professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

Twenty scientists and engineers at the University of Washington are among the 38 new members elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences for 2021. New members were chosen for “their outstanding record of scientific and technical achievement, and their willingness to work on behalf of the Academy to bring the best available science to bear on issues within the state of Washington.”

University of Washington Provost Mark A. Richards today announced Dianne Harris will become dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, beginning Sept. 1.

When Emily Levesque, associate professor of astronomy at the UW, was 2 years old, Halley’s Comet made its most recent close pass to Earth. Her older brother was observing the phenomenon for a school project and the whole family headed out to the backyard. Fussy, cold and afraid of the dark, young Levesque’s mood changed when her parents directed her attention to the night sky. From there she was hooked.

Legacy Survey of Space and Time member and Associate Professor of Astronomy Mario Jurić discusses a giant comet.

We may finally know why one of the brightest stars in the sky appeared to become 65% less bright than usual, in an event that astronomers have dubbed the Great Dimming. The star Betelgeuse, which marks the right shoulder of the constellation Orion, rapidly dimmed in late 2019 and early 2020. It now seems this was due to both a cool spot on the star itself and a cloud of dust. Emily Levesque, associate professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

New images from a massive telescope in Chile have helped solve the mystery of why red supergiant star Betelgeuse suddenly dimmed in late 2019. Emily Levesque, associate professor of astronomy at the UW, is referenced.