Astronomy and Space Science - Cornell University

Astronomy and Space Science from Cornell University is a Campus Master Astronomy degree that prepares you for a Science career. Welcome to the informational pages on Graduate Studies in the Field of Astronomy and Space Sciences at Cornell University . My name is Jim Bell and I am the Director of Graduate Studies for the Field of Astronomy and Space Sciences. Our Graduate Program places strong emphasis on graduate teaching and in the participation of students in ongoing research projects. We foster an interdisciplinary approach to solving astronomical problems and maintain strong ties with other departments. These web pages provide information on our Graduate Program, including research and academic opportunities. Links to additional sources of information are also provided. Concentrations: Astronomy; Astrophysics; Cosmology; Infrared Astronomy; Planetary Studies; Radio Astronomy; Radiophysics; Space Sciences [general]; Theoretical Astrophysics Astronomy and Space Sciences is a formal Field of Graduate Study for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees within the Graduate School of Cornell University. Graduate study is guided by faculty members drawn from various departments, including astronomy , physics, applied physics, geological sciences, theoretical and applied mechanics, and electrical engineering. The field has about thirty graduate students, a comparable number of faculty members, and a comparable number of research associates and visiting scientists. Applications Students with undergraduate experience in astronomy, physics, mathematics, chemistry, geology, engineering physics, and electrical and aeronautical engineering are encouraged to apply. While specific training in astronomy is not a prerequisite, a strong background in the physical sciences (especially physics) and mathematics is required. Applicants are required to take the GRE general test and the GRE physics subject test; they are often of great help in admitting outstanding students from less well known institutions. The TOEFL test is also required for applicants whose native language is not English unless the student received a degree from a college or university in a country where both the language of instruction and the native language is English, or has studied for two or more years in an undergraduate or graduate program in a country where both the language of instruction and the native language is English. Research and Study Opportunities Members of the staff are particularly interested in directing graduate research in the following subjects: 1. Astronomy and Astrophysics. Relativity and cosmology; dynamics of the interstellar gas; solar-system dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics; theory of stellar structure; stellar evolution; nuclear astrophysics; stellar systems and stellar statistics; gravitational theory; X-ray sources; black holes; chemistry of interstellar medium. 2. Atmospheric and ionospheric radio investigations. Dynamics of the atmospheres and ionosphere; incoherent electron scattering; refraction, scattering and attenuation due to the inhomogeneous nature of the troposphere and ionosphere; propagation of radio waves and ionized media. 3. Infrared and Optical Astronomy. Spectroscopic studies of the interstellar medium, external galaxies, Galactic Center, star formation; development of novel instrumentation; observations from ground-based and airborne telescopes. 4. Planetary Studies. Observational, theoretical, and laboratory studies of planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors; spacecraft investigations such as the Mars Exploration Rovers, Cassini, Mars orbiters, Spitzer and HST observations; investigations of asteroids, comets, and ring systems; dynamics of planetary atmospheres, geology and geophysics 5. Radio Astronomy . Distribution and properties of galaxies; radar investigations of the planets and asteroids; solar radio observations; studies of gaseous nebulae; interstellar radio lines; radio galaxies, quasars, and pulsars; interstellar molecular clouds and star-forming regions. 6. Space Vehicle Instrumentation. Instrumentation relation to solar system exploration, including cameras and spectral mappers; infrared observations from airplanes and satellites (Spitzer and SOFIA). View more details on Cornell University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Astronomy courses.