Academic Department

Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy is one of the leading centers for astronomical research in the world. Areas of research include cosmology, exoplanets, planetary science, the interstellar medium, galaxies and stars (including black holes, white dwarfs and neutron stars). The department places strong emphasis on the participation of students in ongoing research projects. It strives to foster an interdisciplinary approach to solving astronomical problems and maintains strong ties with other departments. Many undergraduate and graduate alumni of Cornell astronomy have become leaders in the field.

Cornell astronomers have played major roles in NASA missions to explore the solar system and distant universe. This commitment continues today, with Cornell astronomers leading the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) mission and playing integral roles in the Cassini mission to Saturn, its moons and environs. Cornell planetary scientists are intimately involved in planning and executing the next generation of spacecraft missions to explore the solar system.

Selected examples of current research topics (among many) include: the study of methane lakes on Titan, determination of the spectral signature of earth-like planets around other worlds, searching for gravitational waves by observing a network of pulsars, the migration of planets in exoplanet systems, the nature and origin of features in Saturn’s rings, and the structure and physical conditions of the earliest galaxies in the Universe.

The Department is home to the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Research (CCAPS) and the Carl Sagan Institute (for exoplanet and planetary research).

Associated Faculty

Astronomy
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In the news

Illustration showing a mountain, clouds and nearby rocks spewing vapor
Caitlin Cook/Cornell University

Scientists compile library for evaluating exoplanet water

Astronomy
Cornell Chronicle
Person in late-70s chic tan sport coat, touching models of planets
Cornellians/Provided Carl Sagan

‘Cosmos,’ a pulitzer, and more: fascinating facts about Carl Sagan

Astronomy
Cornellians
Person speaking into a microphone
Sreang Hok/Cornell University. Lisa Kaltenegger, director of the Carl Sagan Institute, associate professor of astronomy and author of “Alien Earths: The New Science of Planet Hunting in the Cosmos,” said the thousands of exoplanets detected to date suggest there are “billions and billions” of possibilities for life beyond Earth.

Sagan celebrated for scientific mind – and imagination

Astronomy
Cornell Chronicle
Person bending over to sweep a flat grave marker
Jason Koski/Cornell University Gerry Monaghan is an unofficial tender of Sagan’s grave at Lake View Cemetery in Ithaca, stopping by to tidy the astronomer's gravesite and those of his parents, buried nearby.

At Carl Sagan’s gravesite, inspiration endures

Astronomy
Cornell Chronicle