Research Breakthroughs

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astronomy

We explore science across scales.

We cultivate an environment of intellectual freedom and flexibility, and champion open inquiry. Carnegie Science researchers are encouraged to work within and across disciplines to push beyond the limits of what we know and expand the foundations of knowledge. At every scale—from exploring the synthesis of molecules that make life possible to probing the farthest expanses of the universe—we seek to inspire awe and amazement.

Messier 51 The Whirlpool Galaxy photographed using a 10” telescope

Cosmos

Our astronomers have driven some of modern science’s biggest breakthroughs—from the revelation that the universe is expanding to the confirmation of the existence of dark matter.

Where We Explore

Earth & Planets Laboratory

Observatories

Where We Explore

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Planetary Science

quasars

Quasars

Quasars are incredibly luminous supermassive black holes accreting matter at the centers of massive galaxies.

Breaking News

Discovered: the most distant known quasar with a bright radio emission

artist's concept of a planetary system courtesy of Carnegie Science

Planets

Our Earth and planetary science researchers discover new worlds; probe our planet’s dynamic interior and surface cycles; and seek to understand what Earth’s formation and evolution can teach us about the conditions that allowed life to arise and thrive here.

Where We Explore

Earth & Planets Laboratory

Observatories

Where We Explore

Earth Science

Planetary Science

Exoplanet

Exoplanets

Our planetary scientists are at the vanguard of the effort to characterize exoplanet atmospheres and understand what their compositions can teach us about the processes by which they formed and evolved.

Artist's concept of JWST courtesy of NASA GSFC/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez
Breaking News

JWST reveals elusive planet’s reflective atmosphere

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, 2014. Credit: NASA/Reid Wiseman

Earth

Our Earth science researchers deploy a variety of techniques, including fieldwork, monitoring, lab-based mimicry, and advanced computation to elucidate details about our home planet's formation and evolution.

Water close-up courtesy of Unsplash
Breaking News

How did Earth get its water?

River

Ecosystems

Our life and environmental science researchers reveal dynamic systems at scales from the community to the global, pursuing a comprehensive view of how human activity is affecting these processes and whether we can build community resilience to ensure a sustainable future.

Where We Explore

Biosphere Sciences & Engineering

Where We Explore

Ecology

Genetics & Developmental Biology

Plant Science

Reefs

Coral Reefs

Carnegie Science researchers are investigating the ecological factors that contribute to deteriorating reef environments such, as well as the cellular and molecular basis for coral health. 

Coral growing at the Department of Embryology
Breaking News

Corals mark friendly algae for ingestion—revealing possible conservation target

DNA

Genomes

Our biologists have made foundational contributions to our knowledge of genetics and cellular mechanics, which they are now leveraging to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of community dynamics.

Where We Explore

Biosphere Sciences & Engineering

Where We Explore

Genetics & Developmental Biology

Plant Science

Algae

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the foundation upon which life as we know it is able to exist. Yet despite its fundamental importance, many of the genes associated with photosynthesis remain uncharacterized.

Aerial view of red tide algal bloom along Florida’s gulf coast
Breaking News

How do algae fuel their “superpowered” ability to grow quickly