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South Texas Space Science Institute
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    With interests in Astronomy and Astrophysics; Space Technology, Materials and Medicine; and Earth and Planetary Science, the South Texas Space Science Institute is exploring a broad range of research topics.

    • Research Areas
      • Astronomy and Astrophysics
      • Space Technology, Materials and Medicine
      • Earth and Planetary Science
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    With a focus on various aspects of the space sciences, STSSI is working to build and incorporate specialized courses to prepare our students for careers as research scientists and / or entrepreneurs in the ever-growing field of space sciences.

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    The South Texas Space Science Institute (STSSI) at UTRGV expands access to diverse and inclusive STEM career opportunities to meet the academic and economic challenges facing our community in the field of space science.

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      • News and Announcements
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  • About Us
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    The South Texas Space Science Institute (STSSI) at UTRGV expands access to diverse and inclusive STEM career opportunities to meet the academic and economic challenges facing our community in the field of space science.

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  1. Home
  2. Research Areas
  3. Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Astronomy is one of the oldest scientific disciplines known to humankind. It has evolved from the humble beginnings of counting stars and charting constellations with the naked eye to the highly advanced technological capabilities of ground-based and space-orbiting telescopes and satellites. Astronomers use mathematics, physics, and chemistry to study celestial objects and phenomena, seeking to understand the origins and nature of the universe and our place within it.

Exoplanetary Astronomy

This field of astronomy is the study of planets that orbit stars outside of our solar system. Varying in size, composition, and orbit (even some that drift through space without a star), more than 5,600 extrasolar planets have been confirmed. Astronomers are developing new methods to find exoplanets, using telescopes to search for Earth-like worlds, and studying how planetary systems form and evolve.

Gravitational-Wave Astronomy

Gravitational-wave astronomy focuses on detecting and analyzing gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by extremely energetic cosmic events such as colliding black holes or neutron stars. Through these waves that can penetrate dense matter, this field of study allows astronomers to observe the universe in a completely new way, particularly for events that are otherwise invisible to traditional telescopes.

Astrophysics

Astrophysics is a branch of space science that applies the laws of physics and chemistry to seek to understand the universe and our place in it. Astrophysicists research and explore the origins of the universe as well as the life and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebula and numerous other objects in the universe.

Observational Astrophysics

This field of astrophysics uses observations - mainly from space telescopes - to study stellar interactions and transient sources from a wide variety of sources including black holes, massive explosions (supernovae, novae, and gamma-ray bursts), and variable stars.

Theoretical Astrophysics

Theoretical astrophysics is the study of astronomical systems and phenomena using mathematical models and analysis. Theoretical astrophysicists use a variety of tools, including advanced mathematics, computer simulations, and models to study the formulation and evolutions of astronomical objects, the origin of cosmic rays, and dark matter and dark energy. This area of study is often used to guide observational programs and interpret new results.

Explore our other research areas

Space Technology, Materials and Medicine
Earth and Planetary Sciences

South Texas Space Science Institute

Brownsville

BINAB 2.136
956-882-7151

Hours

Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST

STSSI Contact

stssi@utrgv.edu
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