NAU planetary astronomer Cristina Thomas is quoted in this Wired article. Thomas is the leader of NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Team (DART) observation working group.
Wired Magazine: How to Build a Spacecraft to Save the World
NAU Astronomy & Planetary Science In the News
NAU scientists author papers in Nature Astronomy chronicling legacy of Spitzer Space Telescope
NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, designed to study the early universe in infrared light, was the first telescope to see light from a planet outside our solar system. Launched in 2003, Spitzer contained infrared detectors of unprecedented sensitivity, providing astronomers a never-before-possible look at the universe.
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David Trilling, professor in Northern Arizona University’s Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science, is the lead author of “Spitzer’s Solar System… Read more
NAU planetary astronomer co-authors studies of asteroid Bennu as member of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission
“The spacecraft has been observing the asteroid for nearly two years now,” said Joshua Emery, associate professor in NAU’s Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science and a member of the OSIRIS-REx science team. “Bennu has turned out to be a fascinating small asteroid and has… Read more
NAU key partner in bringing 2020 Festival of Science to Flagstaff community Sept. 18-27 with more than 60 free virtual events
Now in its 31st year, the award-winning annual Festival of Science—the longest-running event of its kind in the Western Hemisphere—continues to be a cornerstone event for the Flagstaff community, with Northern Arizona University playing a key role in the festival’s success. Through active participation by NAU scientists, artists and educators, as well as through a robust sponsorship commitment, the university contributes to the Flagstaff community through the festival in a variety of ways.
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“Picture a Scientist:” Movie: Sept.… Read more
Three NAU graduate students awarded NASA’s prestigious FINESST grants
Three Ph.D. students in Northern Arizona University’s Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science have been awarded grants through the Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) program. The funding—up to $135,000 total per student for up to three years—supports graduate student-designed research projects that help further NASA’s Science Mission Directorate interests in Earth sciences, heliophysics, planetary science and astrophysics.
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NAU planetary astronomer receives NASA grants for two new studies of Main Asteroid Belt
NAU assistant professor Cristina Thomas, whose research focuses on asteroids, recently received two grants from NASA to study two different types of asteroids in the Main Asteroid Belt. The results of her studies will add to the existing body of knowledge in this field, helping scientists better understand the origins of asteroids.
Click this link for the full article: NAU planetary astronomer receives NASA grants for two… Read more