High Impact
Discovery
DESI
UC Santa Cruz researchers hold crucial roles in “Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument” collaboration
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Three centers of discovery we focus on: Theoretical Astrophysics SC (TASC), Other Worlds Lab (OWL), and Institute for Astronomical Instrumentation Research (IAIR)
FRB
UC Santa Cruz astrophysicists are recognized for advancing research on the mysterious Fast Radio Bursts (FRB)
Exploring the Universe, Inspiring Discovery
UC Santa Cruz is a world-renowned leader in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. We push technology in ways that allow us to look farther and see better.
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Join us for our Astronomy and Astrophysics seminars, including Astronomy Colloquium. Get the chance to hear from experts in the field from universities all over the world, including here at Santa Cruz! Check our seminar calendar for other regular departmental events as well.
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In the News

New model aims to demystify ‘steam worlds’ beyond our solar system
Water-rich exoplanets known as sub-Neptunes may indicate where life exists elsewhere in the universe

Brightest fast radio burst ever seen lets researchers pinpoint origin with unprecedented precision
Researchers use newly deployed ‘CHIME Outrigger’ telescopes and deep-space imaging to challenge long-held assumptions about what causes these mysterious cosmic signals

UC Santa Cruz-based survey uses AI to spot explosive stellar death by black hole
Machine learning enables real-time detection of fleeting anomalies before they fade away

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From faculty and researchers to staff and graduate students, our people are the engine which drives the incredible research and education across our state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories.
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