UMassGives 2026

At UMass Amherst’s Department of Astronomy, our mission is to explore the universe and bring the process of discovery directly into our students’ lives. We remain a research-driven department, deeply engaged in advancing our understanding of the cosmos. At the same time, we are being more intentional about how that experience prepares our students for what comes next.

Over the past year, we have started to build new programs and opportunities aimed squarely at the long-term student experience, connecting rigorous academic training with clear pathways beyond the classroom.

Our Priorities

Connecting Students to Careers: Beyond the Observatory

We recently launched our pilot program “Beyond the Observatory,” a mentoring initiative that connects students directly with alumni across a wide range of careers.

The idea is simple; the most practical guidance about life beyond academia comes from those who have already made that transition.

Through small-group conversations, workshops, and ongoing engagement, students gain insight into how their skills translate into careers in industry, policy, technology, education, and beyond. At the same time, alumni play a direct role in shaping the next generation of UMass Astronomy graduates.

Building the Orchard Hill Teaching Observatory

We are laying the groundwork for a new teaching observatory on Orchard Hill, a dedicated space for hands-on learning, experimentation, and community engagement.

We now have an architect-ready design and a detailed construction estimate; what we are still building toward is the support needed to bring this project to life.

This facility will give students direct access to the night sky as part of their coursework and research, while also creating new opportunities for public outreach and community connection.

Expanding Internships and Undergraduate Research

Hands-on experience remains at the core of how our students learn.

From analyzing data from major observatories to building instrumentation and computational tools, students engage directly with the practice of astronomy. We are working to expand access to paid internships and undergraduate research opportunities, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, can participate fully in these experiences.

These opportunities are often the turning point where students begin to see themselves as scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

Research and Partnerships

UMass Astronomy continues to be a powerhouse in research, with students contributing to major national and international efforts.

Our work is deeply connected to world-class facilities and collaborations, including the Large Millimeter Telescope, one of the premier instruments for studying the cold universe, as well as a wide network of partnerships spanning observational, computational, and theoretical astrophysics.

These connections ensure that our students are not only learning astronomy, but actively participating in its advancement.

Join Us

When you support UMass Astronomy, you are investing in students, in discovery, and in a department that is evolving to meet the moment.

Your gift helps us:

• connect students with alumni mentors and career pathways
• move the Orchard Hill Observatory from design to reality
• expand access to internships and research opportunities

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us build a stronger, more intentional future for our students.

We invite you to be part of this effort.