Department of Astronomy

Here's a quick look at some giftworthy books and music created by UW faculty and staff in 2020, and a reminder of some recent favorites.

With one of the biggest gift-giving seasons upon us, here’s a quick look at some gift-worthy books and music created by University of Washington faculty and staff, and a reminder of some recent favorites.

NASA reported last week that the Stingray Nebula, which is 18,000 light-years from Earth and located near the southern constellation Ara, has dimmed remarkably fast, fading over just 20 years. Bruce Balick, professor emeritus of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

The Stingray Nebula, a shroud of gas around an aging star, was already unusual: It is by far the youngest such object in space. But scientists say that it is now getting dimmer as rapidly as it appeared. Its brightness has dropped by a factor of nearly 1,000 over 20 years, and the bright tendrils that once wrapped around its edges are gone. Bruce Balick, professor emeritus of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

Bruce Balick, an emeritus professor of astronomy, explains the results of his new study on planetary nebula.

During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. 

This week at the UW, join online events ranging in topics from population health to contempary race and politics in the United States.

The unexpected atmospheric detection of phosphine, a smelly gas made by microbes on Earth, could spark a revolution in astrobiology. Michael Wong, a postdoctoral researcher in astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

SpaceX’s attempts to dim the spacecraft in its megaconstellation fall short of eliminating disruptions to the world’s ground-based observatories. Meredith Rawls, a research scientist in astronomy, is quoted.

Several missions this year are seeking out life on the red planet. But would we recognize extraterrestrials if we found them? Michael Wong, a postdoctoral astronomy researcher, is referenced.

A report about the impact of satellite clusters says damage to observations is unavoidable and offers mitigation strategies. Meredith Rawls, a research scientist in astronomy, is quoted.

Emily Levesque, assistant professor of astronomy at the UW, discusses Betelgeuse's "great dimming."

Emily Levesque, professor of astronomy, writes about COVID-19 and astronomy.

In “The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomy's Vanishing Explorers,” astronomy professor Emily Levesque shares the tales of modern-day stargazers.

Emily Levesque, assistant professor of astronomy, has written a new book entitled "The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomy’s Vanishing Explorers" that explores the wonder of astronomy.