Astronomy & Astrophysics
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Methane could be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth
A new study assesses the planetary context in which the detection of methane in an exoplanet’s atmosphere could be considered a compelling sign of life.
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Cannibal galaxies and devastating collisions
Amanda Quirk won the annual Grad Slam competition last week after compressing billions of years of galactic history into a humorous and insightful three-minute presentation. She won $3,000 and a chance to compete in the UC Grad Slam finals in May.
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White House honors astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz with mentoring award
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring represent the highest honors bestowed upon mentors who work to expand STEM talent.
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MaNGA team releases largest-ever collection of 3D maps of nearby galaxies
The release of the complete dataset of 10,000 galaxies observed by the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) project makes MaNGA the largest galaxy survey of its kind.
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Simulated image shows how NASA’s Roman could expand on Hubble’s deepest view
The Roman Space Telescope will have the power to perform an observation similar to the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, but on a much larger scale.
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Astronomers witness the explosive end of a dying star
The Young Supernova Experiment transient survey observed a red supergiant during its final 130 days leading up to a supernova explosion.
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In Memoriam: Bill Mathews (1937–2021)
William George “Bill” Mathews—astrophysicist, musician, and idea foundry—died on September 24 at the age of 84, but his sparkle lives on.
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UCSC astronomers help shape influential report on national priorities for their field
The ‘Astro2020’ Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics identifies the most compelling science goals and provides recommendations for funding agencies.
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As launch of James Webb Space Telescope nears, astronomers anticipate new era of discoveries
UCSC astronomers will be among the first to use the powerful new space telescope, and have been involved in the project from the start.
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Astronomers witnessed the spectacular death of a star as it happened
Observations with multiple telescopes yield new insights into the final stages in the evolution of a massive star before it exploded in a core-collapse supernova.
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Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz wins SACNAS Distinguished Mentor Award
Ramirez-Ruiz will be honored by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science at the 2021 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference.
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Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz awarded American Physical Society’s Nicholson Medal
The American Physical Society’s 2021 Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach recognizes Ramirez-Ruiz for innovations in mentoring.