University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tag: space and astronomy

A new history brings to life people, places and innovations of Wisconsin astronomy

A new book, Chasing the Stars: How the Astronomers of Observatory Hill Transformed Our Understanding of the Universe traces the history of astronomy in Wisconsin and at UW–Madison, beginning with the Indigenous mound builders through the construction of Washburn Observatory to the present day, bringing to life the people, places and innovations that have made Wisconsin an important contributor to our understanding of the universe.

UW-built instrument will enhance views of distant galaxies

A near-infrared spectrograph, which splits light into its individual colors to form a rainbow-like spectrum, will soon be shipped to South Africa from UW–Madison. Custom-built here by staff in the Washburn Astronomical Laboratories, it will expand the capabilities of the Southern African Large Telescope.