About the Center
Space science is the province of multiple disciplines. Understanding the formation and evolution of the solar system, the galaxy, or the universe is equally the task of the cosmochemist who measures isotopic effects in meteorites, the astronomer who observes planetary atmospheres or interstellar dust, and the astrophysicist who studies high energy emissions and gravitational effects of neutron star mergers.
Faculty, researchers, and students of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences belong to one of the traditional science departments, yet overlap in their research. Members of the Center enjoy the diversity of research being conducted and consider the eclectic nature of the Center to be one of the most important aspects of the space sciences program at Washington University.
The McDonnell Center plays a key role at Washington University through endowed professorships, supporting acquisition of sophisticated instrumentation, hiring new faculty, supporting postdoctoral and graduate student fellowships, administering visiting scientist programs, seeding innovative research, and fostering wide-reaching collaborations.
As we look to the future, space science is central to humanity’s aspiration for knowledge as we seek to explore and comprehend our surroundings and our beginnings.
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A new angle of study for unveiling black hole secrets
Physicists including researchers at WashU have made measurements to better understand how matter falls into black holes and how enormous amounts of energy and light are released in the process.
The potential for plate tectonics on Earth-like exoplanets
Earth's unique form of plate tectonics, where the surface is divided into moving plates with active boundaries and stable interiors, has not been conclusively found on other rocky planets in our solar system. Imagine discovering distant worlds that behave geologically like Earth.
Graduate students recognized for research excellence
McDonnell Center Graduate Fellow Gabrielle Adams was selected as a finalist for the 2025 Dean’s Award for Graduate Research Excellence
Physics Graduate Student, Writasree Maitra, awarded QUP Internship at KEK in Japan
Physics Graduate Student, Writasree Maitra, has been awarded a highly competitive QUP Internship, which will take her to KEK in Japan for three months of cutting-edge research.
Meet Our Partners
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Department of Physics
Arts & Sciences at Washington University
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Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
Arts & Sciences at Washington University
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Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering
School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University
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Center for Quantum Leaps
Bringing together scientists working on the development and engineering of quantum technologies and materials and scientists using quantum technologies.
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Astronomy on Tap - St. Louis
An organization offering informal talks on topics of broad interest in astronomy and astrophysics.
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St. Louis Astronomical Society
Devoted to the interest and advancement of the science of astronomy.
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St. Louis Science Center
Regional science museum with exhibits and resources related to the space sciences
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WU Rocketry
WU Rocketry is a student rocket design team of Washington University that competes in the NASA Student Launch Initiative.
Postdoc Focus
Ekrem Esmer
Unveiling Exoplanets: Ekrem Esmer's Quest
Ekrem Esmer, a McDonnell Center Postdoctoral Fellow, is a pioneering exoplanet researcher focused on uncovering planets within multistellar systems. His work is reshaping our understanding of planetary formations and interactions in the universe.
