A guest blog from Lynne Hillenbrand, Caltech’s executive officer of astronomy
The Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics on the campus of the California Institute of Technology, in Pasadena, California, is home to many of the world's pioneers in astronomical discovery, experiment, and theory. Our new building, opened in January, was designed to incorporate groups from across the campus into a single space and to foster their interactions, collaborations, and new discoveries.
This new crown jewel of Caltech is a hub of education and technology. Cahill's residents operate space- and ground-based observatories; develop next-generation technology and instruments; and simulate, predict, and interpret key astronomical theories. It all takes place at 1216 California Boulevard, not coincidentally the wavelength of the astrophysically important Lyman-alpha line of hydrogen.
A lap around any one of the four approximately 25,000 square-foot floors (three above ground and one underground) is likely to witness conversations on topics ranging from new planets around nearby young stars to high-redshift galaxies to signatures emanating from the early universe.
The building features a modern lecture hall and reading room; offices for more than 220 astronomers and astrophysicists, including graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty; plus another 100 associated research, technical, and administrative staff members. Cahill features laboratory space for constructing and testing state-of-the art space- and ground-based astronomical instrumentation.
The architectural showcase piece is an impressive "stairway to the heavens" that is meant to evoke a telescopic view from just inside the main entry upward through the building and skyward. It is actually an elaborate beam structure that forms the core support framework of the building.
Caltech's new Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics has enabled a co-location and cohesion of personnel that will have a major positive impact on astrophysical research worldwide.
Let the discoveries begin!
Thanks, Lynne. We look forward to future updates from Lynne and her colleagues at the Cahill Center.