Carnegie Science’s Post

Carnegie Science is proud to join a prestigious group of institutions eligible to host Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b Fellows. Program participants can choose to work at the Carnegie Science Observatories, Earth & Planets Laboratory, or both. Established in 2017, this fellowship provides exceptional early career scientists with the opportunity to conduct theoretical, observational, and experimental research in planetary astronomy, a growing field that connects the study of objects within our Solar System to exoplanet research. The program was named after the first planet discovered orbiting a Sun-like star—a research breakthrough in which Carnegie Science’s own Paul Butler played a critical role. LEARN MORE: https://lnkd.in/gAyTNmJH

This Thursday! At AAAS or online, tune in to hear Dr. Aomawa Shields discuss the many factors and processes can affect planetary climate and habitability, which is vital information for determining a planet's potential for hosting life. Sharing excerpts from her new memoir, Dr. Shields will also speak about her struggle to fit in as a Black woman in astronomy, her nontraditional career path, and finding her place in the universe. Join us!! It's sure to be an amazing time. TICKETS: https://lnkd.in/gFAEd-Bi

Exciting new development about the construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, a next-generation facility that is being built at Carnegie Science's Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Once completed, it will enable breakthrough research on the physics underpinning our universe and enhance our ability to search for evidence of life on other planets.

Congratulations to former Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory Staff Scientist Sara Seager, who is one of two winners of the 2024 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics for her work on discovering and characterizing exoplanets and their atmospheres. In a Q&A with Frank Sesno after the announcement, she said Carnegie Science was one of the only places investing in exoplanet science at the start of her career. https://lnkd.in/emCT5ecW

Near the searing center of our Solar System orbits a celestial oddity—Mercury. As the smallest and closest planet to the Sun, Mercury defies conventional planetary norms. Twenty years ago, humanity embarked on a remarkable journey of exploration to unlock the secrets of this strange little planet. The Carnegie-led MESSENGER mission aimed to map Mercury's surface, study its geology, investigate its inner composition, characterize its magnetic field, and ultimately provide clues about how Mercury formed. 🛰️ READ ALL ABOUT THIS GROUNDBREAKING NASA MISSION: https://lnkd.in/ggF5A3Zg

Today’s search for Earth-like planets is driven by our desire to understand our place in the universe and to answer the age-old question: Are we alone? We asked five scientists from different fields of study at Carnegie Science's Earth and Planets Laboratory to share their answers.  https://lnkd.in/g5iuUWfZ

Scientists could gain access to higher-than-ever-resolution maps of global carbon dioxide and methane within the decade thanks to a proposed Caltech-led project on which Carnegie Science’s Anna M. Michalak is deputy principal investigator. The Carbon Investigation, or Carbon-I, was recently named by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration as one of four finalists for upcoming space missions; the two winning projects will be announced next year and will launch in 2030 and 2032.

Carnegie Science’s Arthur Grossman was selected as one of 120 new members of the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. This is one of the highest honors bestowed within the scientific community. Grossman has been a Staff Scientist at Carnegie since 1982. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis and the evolution of the cellular organelle, called the chloroplast, where this crucial biochemical process occurs. “Arthur is a plant scientist with broad expertise who has been driven by his deep curiosity about basic biological mechanisms which has led to many important discoveries,” said President Eric D. Isaacs. “His selection for the National Academy of Sciences is a fitting recognition for his contributions to the fields of plant biology, microbiology, ecology and algal genomics.”

America has learned the hard way that falling behind in science and technology can be costly. Now, the legacy of U.S. leadership in astronomy is threatened as the National Science Foundation considers whether to fund two giant telescope projects. Our President Eric D. Isaacs and Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum state the case for the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope Program in today's Los Angeles Times. "What’s at stake is falling behind in astronomy and cosmology, potentially for half a century, and surrendering the scientific and technological agenda to Europe and China."