Astronomy Illinois

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Astronomy Illinois

Explore the universe at Illinois. Department of Astronomy, University of Illinois

From black holes to galaxies, our researchers and students investigate the biggest questions in the cosmos using world-class telescopes, powerful simulations, and boundless curiosity.

05/29/2026

For astrophysics student Ashi Poorey, studying the universe is about more than equations and experiments — it’s about curiosity, discovery, and understanding our place in the cosmos. She recently wrote about her experience for the College of LAS' Insider Blog.

From researching massive stars and hidden stellar companions to presenting at conferences and participating in NASA’s L’SPACE Mission Concept Academy, Ashi has found that astrophysics combines creativity, problem-solving, and wonder in ways that constantly inspire her.

“Astrophysics isn’t just about equations or experiments; it is about understanding the universe and our place in it.”

Read more about why Ashi loves her major: https://las.illinois.edu/blog/2026-04-28/why-i-love-my-major-astrophysics

05/26/2026

Please join us in congratulating Grant Merz on the successful defense of his Ph.D. thesis earlier this month!

Grant will be staying with the department as a postdoctoral researcher. Pictured are (from left to right): Prof. Xin Liu, Dr. Grant Merz, Prof. Matias Carrasco Kind (on zoom), Prof. Athol Kemball, Prof. Yuxiong Wang).

05/22/2026

Professor Gautham Narayan was recently recognized by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Conrad Professional Scholar Award. These professorial scholar awards are funded by a gift from Arlys Conrad and are designed to support the work of exceptionally promising associate professors within the College of LAS.

Narayan works at the intersection of time-domain astrophysics, cosmology, AI, and statistics. He deeply values the mentor-mentee relationship and works with several students, undergraduates and graduates alike, postdocs, and research scientists.

Congratulations, Gautham!

05/19/2026

Join us this Thursday, May 21, as we learn about occurrences like Marsquakes and other seismic events on other planets!

Earth science and environmental change professor Ross Maguire will lead the discussion starting at 6 at 25 O'Clock Brewing in Downtown Urbana.

05/08/2026

Researchers, students, and faculty came together at AstroFest 2026 to share ideas, showcase research, and explore the many paths in astronomy.

From poster sessions to career conversations, the event highlighted the power of collaboration—and the many directions a future in science can take.

Read more: https://astro.illinois.edu/news/2026-05-05/astrofest-emphasizes-collaboration-and-finding-your-path-astronomy

05/05/2026

What happens when you follow science all the way to its limits?

For Eryn Van Wijk, an undergraduate double majoring in astrophysics and philosophy, the answer isn’t choosing one field over the other—it’s exploring where they meet. Their academic path blends big questions about the universe with equally profound questions about knowledge, truth, and what it all means.

From studying the cosmos to thinking about the foundations of science itself, Eryn’s journey is a reminder that curiosity doesn’t have to fit into a single discipline—and sometimes, the most interesting discoveries happen in the space between them.

Read more about Eryn’s story: https://astro.illinois.edu/news/2026-04-30/meet-eryn-van-wijk-undergraduate-majoring-astrophysics-and-philosophy

05/01/2026

The astronomy department is proud to announce its Spring 2026 Academic Awards. The winners were recognized in an online ceremony yesterday. The winners were:

Lew Snyder Memorial Travel Award
- Grant Merz
- Zachary Stone
- Maggie Verrico

Mr. and Mrs. Hsiang-pai and Wen-hua Chu Department Of Astronomy Excellence in Research Graduate Student Award
- Maggie Verrico
- David Vizgan

Stanley Wyatt Memorial Award
- Suvinay Goyal

Congratulations to all the winners! Learn more about them here: https://astro.illinois.edu/news/2026-04-30/department-astronomy-announces-2026-award-winners

04/28/2026

Do you know a high school student curious about the universe?

Join Illinois Astronomy for a FREE summer camp for students entering grades 10–12! No experience needed!

- Observe with our historic telescope
- Learn the basics of coding
- Explore how astronomers study the universe

July 13–16 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Applications are open now and close at the end of May!

Apply here: https://apps.atlas.illinois.edu/FormBuilderSurvey/Survey/las/astronomy/summer_camp_in_astronomy_2026/

04/24/2026

Graduate student Amanda Wasserman recently participated in AAS Congressional Visit Days, meeting with congressional staff from Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Washington, D.C. to advocate for the future of astronomy and science.

Across multiple meetings, conversations highlighted the importance of federal support for research, including NASA, NSF, and DOE funding, as well as topics like the Artemis II mission, AI and workforce development, planetary defense, STEM education, and protecting dark and quiet skies for future discovery.

It’s a tremendous reminder that astronomy doesn’t just happen in observatories; it also happens through conversations that shape the future of science.

04/17/2026

Sometimes, all it takes is looking up.

In this student-written blog, a journalism major shares how passing by the University of Illinois Observatory—and taking a chance on an astronomy class—sparked a new passion and rekindled a connection to home beneath the night sky.

From long-exposure photos behind the observatory to a breathtaking first glimpse of Saturn’s rings, it’s a reminder that curiosity can lead you somewhere unexpected.

Read the full story and see how astronomy continues to inspire across disciplines: https://las.illinois.edu/blog/2026-03-12/astronomy-makes-spectacular-stories

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http://www.astro.illinois.edu/

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