The Department of Astronomy at Ohio State is engaged in leading-edge research that includes searches for planets around other stars using gravitational lensing, supermassive black holes, and clusters of galaxies. We study the evolution of stars, galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the universe, including the origin and evolution of chemical elements formed in stars and the Big Bang.
In addition to our exceptional research programs, we engage Ohio through a world-class outreach program with visits to schools and trips to the Arne Slettebak Planetarium. We support our communities and teachers. Kids of all ages from preschool to those living in their golden years view the heavens through telescopes and explore the Universe together.
The Department of Astronomy relies on the generous support of our donors to make these many things possible for our students, faculty, and communities. Your giving also supports student scholarships, awards, and more. Please consider making a gift today.
Department of Astronomy Chair’s Innovation Fund 306533 - This fund is used for pressing needs in support of research, outreach and engagement, and student support.
The Arne Slettebak Fund 646681 - Supports the operations and activities of the Arne Slettebak Planetarium and its student volunteers. The annual distribution from this fund is used at the discretion of the chairperson of the Department of Astronomy and the Planetarium Director.
Astronomy Undergraduate Scholarship Fund 312693 - To support undergraduate scholarships in the Department of Astronomy's growing program.
Department of Astronomy Chair’s Innovation Fund 306533 - This fund is used for pressing needs in support of research, outreach and engagement, and student support.
The Arne Slettebak Fund 646681 - Supports the operations and activities of the Arne Slettebak Planetarium and its student volunteers. The annual distribution from this fund is used at the discretion of the chairperson of the Department of Astronomy and the Planetarium Director.
Astronomy Undergraduate Scholarship Fund 312693 - To support undergraduate scholarships in the Department of Astronomy's growing program.
Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students.
Thank you so much for your support! I am a recent graduate in astronomy with minors in planetary science and dance. My research studied stellar astrophysics and cosmology. Outside of the classroom, I was involved in OSU's Astronomical Society, SciAccess Zenith Mentorship Program, and Momentum Contemporary Ballet. I have also worked as an undergraduate TA for classes in the astronomy department, a student worker in the physics lab, and an assistant in the campus libraries. This scholarship really helped me in my studies by allowing me to work fewer hours as I pursued my goals. Next year, I am starting an astronomy PhD program at the University of Virginia with the hope of eventually working at an observatory or university. I am so excited for this opportunity and appreciative of the support that has helped me get here!
Best,
Kaia Atzberger
Hello, my name is Ian Harris and I am a senior in Aerospace Engineering, Astrophysics and Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, and Nuclear Engineering at The Ohio State University. My goal after I complete my undergraduate degrees in 2025 is to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, researching space nuclear propulsion. Another goal of mine is to work towards astronaut candidacy so I can be a part of the Artemis missions and the Mars missions that follow.
Receiving financial support has helped me pay for my studies and has helped me get a little closer to reaching my goals. I started out wanting to go into the space industry since I can remember, and I am thankful for the support of my professors, peers, and generous donors.
Kind regards,
Ian Harris
I cannot even begin to thank you enough for this scholarship. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me to achieve my dreams. There are two dreams that you have supported me with. One is my lifelong dream to go to college so that I can become a NASA scientist. I have been working towards this dream starting in third grade. That is when I first fell in love with space science. The second is my goal to avoid financial burdens on my parents. I am so thankful; it is amazing that you provide so much help to students like me! You are incredible and kind for wanting to donate to others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!
I will be going into my sophomore year of an astrophysics and astronomy degree. I graduated as a Valedictorian from Columbiana High School last year. I took college credit classes so that I could get ahead at OSU. I am extremely eager to finish my degree and start working my dream job as a NASA scientist. Thank you so much for helping me on my way there!
Thank you,
Chloe Smith
Thank you so much for your support! I am a recent graduate in astronomy with minors in planetary science and dance. My research studied stellar astrophysics and cosmology. Outside of the classroom, I was involved in OSU's Astronomical Society, SciAccess Zenith Mentorship Program, and Momentum Contemporary Ballet. I have also worked as an undergraduate TA for classes in the astronomy department, a student worker in the physics lab, and an assistant in the campus libraries. This scholarship really helped me in my studies by allowing me to work fewer hours as I pursued my goals. Next year, I am starting an astronomy PhD program at the University of Virginia with the hope of eventually working at an observatory or university. I am so excited for this opportunity and appreciative of the support that has helped me get here!
Best,
Kaia Atzberger
Hello, my name is Ian Harris and I am a senior in Aerospace Engineering, Astrophysics and Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, and Nuclear Engineering at The Ohio State University. My goal after I complete my undergraduate degrees in 2025 is to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, researching space nuclear propulsion. Another goal of mine is to work towards astronaut candidacy so I can be a part of the Artemis missions and the Mars missions that follow.
Receiving financial support has helped me pay for my studies and has helped me get a little closer to reaching my goals. I started out wanting to go into the space industry since I can remember, and I am thankful for the support of my professors, peers, and generous donors.
Kind regards,
Ian Harris
I cannot even begin to thank you enough for this scholarship. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me to achieve my dreams. There are two dreams that you have supported me with. One is my lifelong dream to go to college so that I can become a NASA scientist. I have been working towards this dream starting in third grade. That is when I first fell in love with space science. The second is my goal to avoid financial burdens on my parents. I am so thankful; it is amazing that you provide so much help to students like me! You are incredible and kind for wanting to donate to others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!
I will be going into my sophomore year of an astrophysics and astronomy degree. I graduated as a Valedictorian from Columbiana High School last year. I took college credit classes so that I could get ahead at OSU. I am extremely eager to finish my degree and start working my dream job as a NASA scientist. Thank you so much for helping me on my way there!
Thank you,
Chloe Smith