The MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI) offers students, faculty, and professional research staff opportunities to participate in a broadly based program of space-related research. For example, research programs are carried out in X-ray, radio, optical, and planetary astronomy, space plasma and gravitational physics, and space engineering. Areas of research include cosmology, black holes and neutron stars, and extrasolar planets, among other topics.
Studies often involve experiments carried by the space shuttle, orbiting satellites, or deep space probes. The experimental programs are complemented by ground-based research in similar fields and by laboratory development of suitable instrumentation for the space-based and ground-based experiments. An active program of theoretical studies in astrophysics and space physics is also supported.
MKI is the focus for MIT's participation in the Magellan Observatory Consortium in Chile, the Laser Interferometer Gravity Wave Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory Science Center, and the Mileura Widefield Array radio telescope in Western Australia. Extensive data handling and computational facilities are available for the analysis and reduction of scientific data. An experienced, well-equipped group of engineers and technicians provides design, construction, and testing of instrumentation in support of the ground-based and flight programs.
The variety of scientific and technical problems that arise in these investigations affords numerous opportunities for graduate thesis research. In addition, there is major participation by undergraduate students in programs of theoretical studies, data analysis, and the development of new instruments.
For further information, contact the director, Professor Jacqueline N. Hewitt, Room 37-241, 617-253-7501.