The Department of Astronomy is an independent, active, and vibrant department that offers undergraduate and graduate instruction at a public University in New England. The Department is active in a broad range of award-winning observational and theoretical astrophysics, engaging students in cutting-edge research inside and outside of the classroom. We seek to challenge and enhance our understanding of the cosmos that we live in.
UMass is a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) alongside Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and Hampshire College. As a result, students have access to a broad array of FCAD resources and interact with individuals across all five colleges.
Telescopes and Resources
• Partner in the 50-m Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) in Mexico
• Access to the Perkins 1.8-m optical telescope for AST341 and research
• Access to advanced computational facilities
• Continuum and heterodyne instrument labs
• Involved in Subaru Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) project
• Faculty with joint affiliations at the Cosmic Dawn Center in Copenhagen
Ways to Support UMass Astronomy
All donations are deeply appreciated. Examples of how this funding is used to support the department include:
• Enabling upgrades to the historic Orchard Hill telescope
• Supporting paid undergraduate research for historically excluded groups through the AstroTROUP program
• Funding student conference travel and named awards for students’ scholarly achievements
| Rank | Prize | DEPARTMENT/GROUP/RSO | Donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 | Massachusetts Daily Collegian | 218 |
| 2 | $500 | CHAARG | 81 |
| 3 | $500 | Club Water Polo | 68 |
| 4 | Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers | 53 | |
| 5 | Beekeeping Club | 42 |
| Rank | Prize | DEPARTMENT/GROUP/RSO | Donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 | SBS in DC | 50 |
| 2 | $500 | Cape Cod Alumni Group Scholarship | 40 |
| 3 | $500 | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 22 |
| 4 | Film Studies | 16 | |
| 5 | Hospitality and Tourism Management Department | 10 |
| Rank | Prize | DEPARTMENT/GROUP/RSO | Donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 | Duly Noted | 229 |
| 2 | $500 | Women's Ultimate Frisbee | 165 |
| 3 | $500 | Men's Ultimate Frisbee | 118 |
| 4 | The Boltwood Project | 104 | |
| 5 | Formula SAE Team | 52 |
