Astronomy & Astrophysics
-

In Memoriam: Arnold Klemola (1931–2019)
Arnold Klemola, a long-time staff researcher at UC Observatories, passed away on January 5, 2019. He was 87.
-

Kepler telescope captures extraordinary observations of a star’s death throes
Kepler’s observations of the supernova known as SN 2018oh showed an unexpected fast rise in brightness that may be an important clue to understanding the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, which cosmologists use to study the expansion of the universe and dark energy.
-

Planet discovered orbiting the second closest stellar system to the Earth
Measurements from high-precision instruments, including Keck’s HIRES and Lick’s Automated Planet Finder, reveal a cold super-Earth around Barnard’s star.
-

NSF honors astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz among Hispanic leaders in science
In recognition of their efforts and Hispanic Heritage Month, the National Science Foundation profiled eight leaders in their fields.
-

Three UCSC professors honored as Fellows of the California Academy of Sciences
Biologist Beth Shapiro and astronomers Claire Max and Natalie Batalha are among 14 new fellows elected to the California Academy of Sciences for 2018.
-

Astronomer Natalie Batalha to receive Alumni Achievement Award
After serving as science lead for NASA’s Kepler Mission from 2011 to 2017, Batalha is returning to UC Santa Cruz as a professor of astronomy and astrophysics.
-

NSF grant funds program to increase diversity in physics and astronomy
The Cal-Bridge program has received a $5 million grant to support Ph.D. pathways at 24 campuses.
-

First-year Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam survey results yield cosmological constraints
UC Santa Cruz astronomer Alexie Leauthaud has been involved in the HSC survey project from the beginning of the survey.
-

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz elected fellow of American Physical Society
Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, professor and chair of astronomy and astrophysics, has been elected an APS Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contributions to physics.
-

NSF funds powerful new supercomputer for UC Santa Cruz researchers
The new high-performance computer system will support research in theoretical astrophysics, climate science, materials science, and other fields.

