The astronomy major provides in-depth knowledge and education about the nature of the universe, relying heavily on preparation in physics and mathematics. Nearly all majors become involved in research projects in their junior and senior years. Faculty and students played major roles in the early days of space exploration and Cornell astronomers continue a heavy involvement in NASA missions, such as the Mars Rovers missions, to this day, The main instrument on the Spitzer Infrared Space Telescope, one of the four NASA Great Observatories, was developed by a group at Cornell.
- Relativity and Astrophysics, Search for Life in the Universe
- Experimental Astronomy
- Space Exploration
- Physics of Black Holes, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars
Students went on to...
- Do software development at Microsoft
- Study astrophysics at Caltech
- Study planetary science at the University of Arizona
Visit the the department/program website for faculty and research information.