About

The UC Santa Cruz Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics in one of the world’s leading centers for both observational and theoretical investigation of our Universe. The department is home to distinguished faculty members whose research interests span from our solar system and the Milky Way to the most distant galaxies in the Universe and fundamental questions of cosmology. Our program consistently ranks in the top 15 in the world for space science, emphasizing the latest computational, theoretical, observational, and instrumentation aspects of astronomy.

Faculty and students in the department and affiliated research centers are pioneering new instruments on the world’s largest telescopes.  We use preeminent space telescopes like NASA’s Hubble and James Webb Space Telescope to understand exoplanet atmospheres, supernovae, and the formation of the first galaxies. We push the envelope in computational astrophysics to better understand data from large-scale surveys of the Universe. With a commitment to supporting a diverse community and an inclusive environment that promotes innovation and scientific excellence, the department offers exceptional opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty who are award-winning for their research, teaching, and mentoring.

In addition, UC Santa Cruz manages the UC Observatories, which operates the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton, oversees UC’s partnership in the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii (with twin 10-meter telescopes), and is the central coordinator for UC’s participation in the international Thirty Meter Telescope project.