Astrophysics

Abstract: The Standard Model of particle physics grapples with notable gaps, failing to elucidate critical aspects of our universe, such as the existence of dark matter and the intriguing baryon-antibaryon asymmetry. Unraveling the mysteries...

Observational constraints on the small-scale structure of the interstellar medium (ISM) are critical for understanding how star formation and feedback processes drive galaxy evolution across cosmic time. The last decade has seen an explosion of...

The search for signs of life beyond Earth is a key motivator in exoplanet research.  A suitable “biosignature gas” is one that: can accumulate in an atmosphere against atmospheric radicals and other sinks; has strong atmospheric spectral features...

The number of eclipsing binary and multiple systems observed by large, high quality photometric surveys is downright staggering: with OGLE setting the standard, Kepler and TESS leading the way in photometric precision, and LSST promising millions of...

I discuss two grand challenges within cosmic origins studies. First, how do the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) that reside in the centers of large galaxies come into being? After a short review of different ideas, I present a model (“Pop III.1”)...

The Bahcall Lunch follows the astrophysics colloquium lecture. Registration is required by 4pm the previous Thursday so a meal can be provided. Email Amanda at cenker@ias.edu with questions.

Over a five-year period, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will spectroscopically classify nearly 40 million galaxies and quasars over 1/3 of the sky and to redshifts z 3.5. The DESI collaboration has completed measurements of the...