Research pulled Michael McDonald in and it won’t let go
Since his first encounter with a research telescope, the astrophysics professor hasn't slowed in his quest to understand the behavior of galaxies.
Department
Physics
In a first, astronomers spot a star swallowing a planet
Earth will meet a similar fate in 5 billion years.
MIT faculty tackle big ideas in a symposium kicking off Inauguration Day
Ahead of the Institute’s presidential inauguration, panelists describe advances in their research and how these discoveries are being deployed to benefit the public.
Astronomers detect the closest example yet of a black hole devouring a star
The event was spotted in infrared data — also a first — suggesting further searches in this band could turn up more such bursts.
MIT graduate engineering, business, science programs ranked highly by U.S. News for 2023-24
Graduate engineering program is No. 1 in the nation; MIT Sloan is No. 4.
Exploring the bow shock and beyond
PhD student Rishabh Datta seeks further understanding of astrophysical phenomena.
Eight from MIT elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences for 2023
The prestigious honor society announces more than 250 new members.
Exploring new sides of climate and sustainability research
With the support of each other and MIT faculty, students in the MCSC’s Climate and Sustainability Scholars Program are making their impact on real-world climate challenges.
Understanding our place in the universe
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar Brian Nord trains machines to explore the cosmos and fights for equity in research.
Scientists map gusty winds in a far-off neutron star system
The 2D map of this “disk wind” may reveal clues to galaxy formation.
MIT welcomes 2023 Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b Fellow Juliana García-Mejía
The fellowship supports research contributing to the field of planetary science and astronomy.
Learning to design with atoms and molecules
A hands-on class teaches undergraduates the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and nanoscale science from inside MIT.nano’s cleanroom.
QS World University Rankings rates MIT No. 1 in 11 subjects for 2023
The Institute also ranks second in five subject areas.
MIT-led teams win National Science Foundation grants to research sustainable materials
The teams will work toward sustainable microchips and topological materials as well as socioresilient materials design.
MIT affiliates honored with 2023 Optica awards and medals
Optics and photonics awards go to Professor Marin Soljacic as well as alumni Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato, Turan Erdogan, Harold Metcalf, and Andrew Weiner.