Astronomers have created a detailed map revealing the magnetic fields weaving through TW Hydrae, one of the closest known stars with a planet-forming disk, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).
Recent News
A Million Reasons to Celebrate: NSF NRAO Hits One Million Citations
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is celebrating a historic achievement: research using our telescopes has now been cited over one million times in scientific literature!
Neighboring Star’s Warped Ring Shaped by Evolving Planets
Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have made the highest resolution image to date, revealing new insights into the unusual and mysterious architecture of the debris disk encircling Fomalhaut, one of the brightest and most well-studied stars in our cosmic neighborhood.
International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly
Every year, astronomers from all around the globe gather for a couple of weeks at the IAU General Assembly to discuss their discoveries and observations, and to exchange ideas and challenges facing astronomy. This year the assembly is taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii. I had the privilege to give opening remarks this past Tuesday. As I said in my remarks, “it is a great honor to represent the Obama Administration at this historic event.”
NSF is one of the world’s leading institutions in astronomy. For decades, NSF-funded researchers have been exploring the most intriguing mysteries of the heavens. We hope to continue doing so!


Great catching up with the National Solar Observatory (NSO) and NSF solar astronomy program officer Dave Boboltz. One of NSO’s major projects is the NSF-funded Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii. This telescope will provide new insights into solar phenomena, including solar storms. Photo credit: NSF

With the recent announcement about Breakthrough Listen, I enjoyed talking with National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Tony Beasley about how NSF-funded radio astronomy will play a key role. Photo credit: NSF

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope in Chile has the world’s largest digital camera. Photo credit: NSF

NSF booth at the assembly. I’m with Patricia Knezek, NSF deputy division director for the Division of Astronomical Sciences. Photo credit: NSF
Follow and engage in the online conversation using #IAU2015 and #NSFastronomy.
Recent News
Astronomers Reveal Planet Building’s Secret Ingredient: Magnetism
Astronomers have created a detailed map revealing the magnetic fields weaving through TW Hydrae, one of the closest known stars with a planet-forming disk, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).
A Million Reasons to Celebrate: NSF NRAO Hits One Million Citations
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is celebrating a historic achievement: research using our telescopes has now been cited over one million times in scientific literature!
Neighboring Star’s Warped Ring Shaped by Evolving Planets
Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have made the highest resolution image to date, revealing new insights into the unusual and mysterious architecture of the debris disk encircling Fomalhaut, one of the brightest and most well-studied stars in our cosmic neighborhood.