Astronomy Department

The Department of Astronomy offers undergraduate and graduate instruction in a wide variety of fields, including theoretical and observational astrophysics; infrared, optical, and radio astronomy; galactic structure and dynamics of stellar systems; high-energy astrophysics and cosmology; and spectroscopy. A considerable amount of research and teaching related to astronomy is done in other units at Berkeley, including the Space Science Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and the Physics Department. Various professors in the Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Engineering departments have an active interest in astronomy and are available for consultation.

Campbell Hall, home of the Department of Astronomy

This new state-of-the-art facility houses our faculty, members, and our in-house research units, resources, and labs.

Astronomy Night: A Stargazing and Lecture Event!

On the first Thursday of the month come join our department for a lecture and guided stargazing! Visit our events page for full details.

Basic Research Lights the Way

Prof. Chung-Pei Ma and colleagues in Math and Physical Sciences describe the fundamental role basic research plays in furthering our understanding of the universe and the world around us.

Campbell Hall Rooftop Dome Observatory

The Rooftop Dome Observatory, featuring the Richard Treffers Telescope, is just one of many department research and observing resources. Photo by Michael O’Callahan Photography.