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Category: Science

Solving the Astrophysical N-body Problem More Efficiently

A new algorithm developed by a grantee of the Foundation’s Science program has the potential to trace the evolution of large astrophysical systems, such as galaxies, planetary systems, or clusters of stars.

1400 Degrees: Exploring the Universe of Materials with Nadya Mason

“Condensed matter is the physics of stuff. We’re surrounded by wood, metal, and electronics that we take for granted. But we should be wondering more about materials. Why does a metal conduct electricity? Is it the little dudes running from one end to another?” Dr. Nadya Mason Dr. Nadya Mason, a condensed matter physicist who …

The First Detection of Neutrinos at a Particle Collider

The FASER (Forward Search Experiment) collaboration, which searches for light and extremely weak interacting particles, has announced the discovery of neutrinos (subatomic particles) produced at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

Announcing the 2023 Class of 51 Pegasi b Fellows

We are pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship. The eight Fellows were selected based on their outstanding research achievements, innovative research plans, and potential to impact the field of planetary astronomy. Fellows were also selected based on their commitment to and plans for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in planetary astronomy.

Space, Hope, and Charity: The Remarkable Journey of Astrophysicist Charity Woodrum

Space, Hope, and Charity is a new documentary film based on the life of Charity Woodrum, a Ph.D. candidate in astrophysics and NSF Graduate Research Fellow at Steward Observatory, University of Arizona. The Heising-Simons Foundation supported the filming and post-production of the documentary film with a grant from the Science program.

51 Pegasi b Fellow’s Project Selected for Funding by NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts

Dr. Melodie Kao, a 51 Pegasi b Fellow at University of California, Santa Cruz, has been selected for funding by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program as part of the Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths (GO-LoW) concept team, led by Dr. Mary Knapp of MIT Haystack Observatory.

Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine

Despite considerable investments to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields, substantial barriers still produce inequitable opportunities and outcomes.

51 Pegasi b Fellow Leads Study on Planet Found Spiraling to its Doom

Shreyas Vissapragada, a 51 Pegasi b Fellow and planetary astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, is the lead author of a new study on exoplanet Kepler-1658b, which is spiraling towards its host star and will eventually be obliterated.

51 Pegasi b Fellowship: Building Community

The 51 Pegasi b Fellowship supports early-career planetary astronomers for up to four years. The Foundation strives to create community among the fellows by providing opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and networking. One such opportunity is the annual 51 Pegasi b summit that brings together current fellows, fellow alumni, university faculty members, observatory staff, and …