High Impact
Discovery
DESI
UC Santa Cruz researchers hold crucial roles in “Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument” collaboration
JWST
We lead innovative observations from exoplanet atmospheres to galaxy formation with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
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 astronomy and astrophysics. We are innovators and leaders across observations, instrumentation, and computational astrophysics.
In the News
Eighteen years of mobilizing marginalized students, making science more innovative
Review in Nature Astronomy highlights how UC Santa Cruz’s Lamat Institute leverages cultural strengths through tailored experiences, raises awareness of systemic barriers, and builds culturally validating communities
Science Division awards honor staff and faculty for outstanding work and dedication
Alyssa Danielli, department manager in astronomy and astrophysics, and Carrie Partch, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, are the respective recipients of the division’s 2024-25 Outstanding Staff and Faculty Awards
Meet this historian of alien worlds
With equations and simulations, astronomer Ruth Murray-Clay is working to understand how distant planets form, evolve and could offer conditions to support life.
Department Seminars
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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Meet the People
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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Support Us
Private support has long been vital to progress in astronomy. At UCSC, your gift helps fund innovative research and educational opportunities beyond the reach of public funding—directly impacting the work of our students and faculty.