UC Observatories

Huge congratulations to our friend and esteemed colleague Professor Alex Filippenko, he stated, “The Lick supernova search and my spectral studies with the Shane telescope were significant factors in my receiving the prize." He also notes, “I obtained many or most of the spectra of high-redshift Type Ia supernova candidates at W. M. Keck Observatory in the mid-1990s, leading to the Nobel-worthy discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe, driven by mysterious dark energy.” His team's supernova research continues, now in its fifth decade at Lick and fourth decade at Keck. More details can be found here:

Astrophysicist Alex Filippenko awarded Gruber Cosmology Prize for work on supernovae - Berkeley News By clarifying the differences among various types of exploding stars, Filippenko enabled them to be used to measure the expansion of the universe.

Great opportunity to learn more about the nature of dark energy! In Santa Cruz next week? Check out UC Santa Cruz Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Alexie Leauthaud's FREE lecture at the Rio Theatre. Great dinner spots are close by!

A historic Opportunity to Support the University of California
For the first time in its 157-year history, the University of California is facing unprecedented fiscal uncertainty. Between rising operational costs and federal actions putting over $1 billion in research funding at risk. The challenges are real.

However, two key bonds currently moving through the California state legislature could change this trajectory. These bonds represent a critical investment that PROTECT RESEARCH that delivers public benefits across California for generations to come and provide new affordable housing for students.
Governor Newsom and legislative leaders have shown support, but we need to ensure these critical bills cross the finish line.
Will you join us by contacting your lawmakers to urge them to dedicate funding to scientific research in California? Register your support here:

Email your lawmakers! Now is the time to invest in UC.

California Senate Bill SB 895, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, would establish the California Institute of Scientific Research to support scientific advancement by awarding grants and loans for research and development.

UC leaders, including our Director Bruce Macintosh, stand behind University of California President James Milliken’s statement on the need to protect research funding: “Reductions in federal funding are already disrupting critical UC research that supports thousands of jobs, drives medical innovation, and leads to life-changing solutions that benefit everyone,” said UC President James B. Milliken. "The University is grateful for Sen. Wiener’s efforts to ensure that UC remains the greatest research university in the world.”

Status: The bill is currently scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health Committee on March 25. We’ll continue to share updates as the bill moves through the Legislature. Stay informed and engaged – science impacts us all!

Bill Text - SB-895 California Science and Health Research Bond Act. SB 895 California Science and Health Research Bond Act.