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Florida Atlantic University is home to cutting-edge astrophysics research led by two distinguished professors, Dr. Ata Sarajedini and Dr. Vicki Sarajedini. Dr. Ata Sarajedini focuses on understanding the life cycles of stars and the evolution of galaxies. His research involves the study of resolved stellar populations, which provides insights into star formation history and the structure of galaxies. He also works extensively with star clusters, using them as laboratories to explore fundamental questions about stellar evolution and the overall dynamics of galaxies. Dr. Vicki Sarajedini's research delves into the fascinating world of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), regions at the centers of galaxies that host supermassive black holes. She utilizes a multiwavelength approach to study AGN variability and the physical processes behind supermassive black hole accretion. Her work also explores the connection between these powerful galactic centers and their host galaxies, shedding light on the complex interplay that influences galaxy evolution. The Department of Physics also offers an Astronomy minor to our undergraduate students. It will be available starting in the Fall 2025 semester. The Astronomy minor is primarily designed to give our undergraduate students a solid background in the science of astronomy and astrophysics and to prepare them for postgraduate work if that is what they desire to do. Observatory director, Eric Vandernoot, operates FAU's astronomical observatory under a four meter diameter dome on the fourth floor of the SE-43 building on the Boca Raton campus. The telescope is a Edge-HD 14 inch Schmidt Cassegrainian from Celestron. We welcome students, faculty, staff and members of the general public to join our scheduled observations or our public viewing events. The scheduled observations occur in the evenings typically on the first Friday and third Tuesday of each month when classes are in session weather permitting, though sometimes we change it to go after events of special astronomical significance. News and details of its events are posted on its website: https://physics.fau.edu/observatory/. |
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