Using AI // Buchalter Cosmology Prize Winners // Citizen Scientists Uncover Hidden Secrets
University of Washington - College of Arts & Sciences
DiRAC INSTITUTE

DiRAC Newsletter

Cherry blossoms at the Quad.
APRIL 2024

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

 

Welcome to the Spring edition of DiRAC’s newsletter!

 
As we kick off the Spring quarter, we’re excited to share updates highlighting the achievements and outreach efforts of our outstanding team members.

Read Director's full letter

 
 
Director Mario Juric
 
This season, we’ve had no shortage of discoveries and awards – delve into the articles here for more details. We hope you enjoy reading about them and feel inspired to join us in person at the next DiRAC event.

Thank you,

Mario Juric
Director, DiRAC Institute
Professor, Department of Astronomy

HIGHLIGHTED STORIES

 

Using AI for Wave-front Estimation with the Rubin Observatory Active Optics System

 
The Rubin Observatory will use a sophisticated auto-focus system (i.e., active optics) to enable the fast cadence and high image quality required for its groundbreaking ten year survey of the southern sky. This system must operate with higher speed and deliver higher precision than what has been necessary for previous wide-field surveys which limits the applicability of existing state-of-the-art active optics algorithms.
 
 
John Crenshaw portrait.
 
 

2023 Buchalter Cosmology First Prize awarded to Dr. Kyle Boone and Dr. Matthew McQuinn

 
The $10,000 First Prize was awarded to Dr. Kyle Boone (former DiRAC Fellow, presently at Google Inc.) and Dr. Matthew McQuinn (Professor of Astronomy at the University of Washington), for their work entitled “Solar System-scale interferometry on fast radio bursts could measure cosmic distances with sub-percent precision”.
 
 
Boone & McQuinn.
 
 

Citizen Scientists Uncover Hidden Secrets of the Solar System: “Active Asteroids” Project Reveals Dozens of Rare Celestial Bodies

 
In an innovative exploration that intertwines the realms of astronomy and Citizen Science, a new publication unveils the first results of the Active Asteroids Citizen Science Program. Spearheaded by Colin Orion Chandler (DiRAC Institute, University of Washington) and a formidable team of researchers, this initiative has embarked on an audacious mission: to enlist the help of the public in uncovering the secrets of our solar system’s elusive active asteroids.
 
 
Comet Grphics.
 

SUPPORT DiRAC STUDENT PROGRAM AT THE HUSKY GIVING DAY

 

Help us reach our goal this Husky Giving Day!

Make a gift today!

 
Join us in our mission to achieve 20 gifts
before April 4th and unlock a $10,000 challenge.
Every contribution, regardless of the amount,
brings us closer to our goal.
Together, we're making a significant impact.
Learn more  here!
 
 
DiRAC staff
 
GIVE NOW!
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