Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA)

First fast radio burst traced to old, dead, elliptical galaxy

Read the Northwestern Now article

Applications open for Summer 2025 REACH Program

Due March 3

Astronomy on Tap: Magnetic Attraction

Feb 13 | 7PM | Uptown Taproom

Young exoplanet’s atmosphere unexpectedly differs from its birthplace

New study shows planet formation might be more complicated than previously thought

Northwestern joins Giant Magellan Telescope’s international consortium

Faculty will contribute expertise in astrophysics, engineering and artificial intelligence

Grad student wins global photography competition for second year in a row

‘I love using my astrophotography to emphasize human connection’

Research at CIERA

Researchers at CIERA study a wide variety of topics, all with the aim of advancing the field of astrophysics and expanding our understanding of the Universe.

Black Holes & Dead Stars

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Black Holes & Dead Stars

Supermassive, Intermediate & Stellar Mass Black Holes, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars . . .

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Exoplanets & The Solar System

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Exoplanets & The Solar System

Planet Formation, Planet Dynamics, Protoplanetary Disks . . .

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Galaxies & Cosmology

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Galaxies & Cosmology

Galaxy Formation, Intergalactic Medium, Galaxy Clusters, Early Universe . . .

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Gravitational Waves & Multi-Messenger Astronomy

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Gravitational Waves & Multi-Messenger Astronomy

Black Hole & Neutron Star Mergers, Gravitational Wave Sources & Their Electromagnetic Counterparts . . .

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Life & Death of Stars

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Life & Death of Stars

Interstellar Medium, Star Formation & Evolution, Supernovae & Their Remnants . . .

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Stellar Dynamics & Stellar Populations

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Stellar Dynamics & Stellar Populations

Star Clusters, Galactic Nuclei, Stellar Collisions & Mergers, Interacting Binaries . . .

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Our Faculty

There are many different methods used to study the cosmos. CIERA researchers use observations and data science to make new discoveries, use theory and computation to explain and predict what we see, and build innovative new instruments to see farther and in more detail than ever before.