Michael
Blanton

Distant Galaxies Cosmology

Astronomer Michael R. Blanton joined the Carnegie Science Observatories as its 12th director in January 2026. In this role he oversees astronomical research in Pasadena and telescope operations at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, one of the world’s elite observing sites. 

Observatories Director Michael Blanton

Observatories Director and Crawford M. Greenewalt Chair
Pasadena, CA

Overview

Blanton came to Carnegie Science from New York University, where he was a Professor of Physics and the Director of the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics. 

Blanton’s research has centered primarily on conducting large astronomical surveys to place precise constraints on cosmological history and to unravel the formation history of galaxies. During his two-decade academic career at NYU, Blanton played pivotal roles in every generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), including serving as the Director of its fourth phase.

Blanton earned his doctorate in astrophysical sciences at Princeton University, following a bachelor’s degree in applied and engineering physics at Cornell University. Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. He has authored or co-authored over 200 research papers. 

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