Department of Astronomy

Administration

  • Tereasa Brainerd Chair
  • John Clarke Associate Chair
  • Dan Clemens Director of Undergraduate Studies
  • Tom Bania Director of Graduate Studies
  • Bania, Brecher, Chakrabarti, Clarke, Clemens, Fritz, Hughes, Jackson, Janes, Marscher, Mendillo Professors
  • Brainerd, Oppenheim Associate Professors
  • Blanton, Opher, West, Withers Assistant Professors
  • Crooker, Goodrich, Lyon, Siscoe Research Professors
  • Cook Associate Research Professor
  • Oliver (College of Engineering), Semeter (College of Engineering) Associated Faculty

The Department of Astronomy provides a range of courses and programs for students planning careers in astronomy, space science, or related fields as well as for those wishing a non-technical introduction to this exciting field of science. A major in astronomy or in astronomy & physics includes a rigorous program of physics and calculus in addition to courses in astronomy. The geophysics & planetary science major is a multidisciplinary program including astronomy, earth science, physics, and calculus courses. A BA in Astronomy, Astronomy & Physics, or Geophysics & Planetary Science prepares students for immediate employment or further study leading to research and teaching positions in astrophysics, geophysics, and space science, or careers in science education, science management, scientific computing, or science writing.

Facilities for student observing and instruction are maintained at the Judson Boardman Coit Observatory on the roof of the College of Arts & Sciences building and elsewhere within the department. On-site telescopes include a 6.5″ refractor, five portable 8″ reflectors, a 10″ reflector, a 14″ reflector, a spectroscopic telescope, and a small radio telescope. The department maintains a comprehensive astronomical research library that includes sky surveys and subscriptions to more than 50 scientific journals.

The department’s computer network connects to well over two hundred local workstations and to the University’s supercomputers and other computing resources.

The Department of Astronomy is vigorous in research and takes pride in the quality of its undergraduate and graduate teaching. Most students majoring in astronomy participate in faculty research projects during their undergraduate program.

Students are welcome to enroll in independent study courses (CAS AS 491 and CAS AS 492) in their junior and senior years, and qualified seniors are encouraged to enroll in two semesters of independent study (CAS AS 401 and CAS AS 402) leading to a degree with honors in the major.

Faculty research interests include observational and theoretical studies in stellar astrophysics, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, magnetospheric and ionospheric physics, planetary studies, and solar system plasma physics. Faculty and students build instruments for, and carry out observational programs at, the Perkins 72″ telescope at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, and department members are regular guest observers at national and international research facilities. Both undergraduate and graduate students are actively involved in research programs using space probes, satellites, and sounding rockets.

Organizations

Boston University Astronomical Society (BUAS)

The Boston University Astronomical Society is open to all undergraduates in the University who have an interest in astronomy. The BUAS assists in the departmental open night program, engages in observing projects, organizes trips to observatories, and participates in other astronomical and social events.