Newsletters

Welcome to the Astronomy Newsletter Archive!

Stay up to date with the latest news, discoveries, and accomplishments from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Astronomy. Our newsletter highlights the people, research, and activities shaping our department, from groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and new observing opportunities to student achievements, faculty recognition, and events across the department.

Browse the archive below to explore current and past issues and see how the department has grown and evolved over the years. Each issue offers a look at the research, teaching and community that make Illinois Astronomy a vibrant place to study and explore the universe.
Group of people listening to a lecture in black and white.

Read the 2026 issue

In this issue: The Department of Astronomy looks back on a year of exciting discoveries, accomplishments and milestones across our department. Read messages from outgoing chair Tony Wong and incoming chair Paul Ricker, learn about the latest research from our faculty and students, and explore the department’s continued work in teaching, outreach and student support.

This issue also highlights the growing impact of new and upcoming observatories, major research initiatives, student and faculty achievements, and the restoration of the Campus Observatory. From new opportunities in space-based astronomy to the people driving discovery here at Illinois, there’s plenty to explore in the latest edition of the Astronomy Department newsletter.

Other past editions
The telescope in the observatory dome.

2025 Astronomy Newsletter

In this issue: The Department of Astronomy celebrates a year of exciting research, new faculty, student achievements and a renewed commitment to sharing the department’s work with the Illinois community. Explore the efforts to preserve and revitalize the Campus Observatory, welcome alumnus Jiayin Dong back to Illinois as a faculty member, and learn how researchers are using artificial intelligence to tackle some of astronomy’s biggest data challenges. This issue also features the career of ALMA leader and Illinois alumnus Phil Jewell, faculty teaching honors, the 2025 Academic Awards, and a tribute to Distinguished Professor Emeritus Icko Iben Jr.

Read the 2025 Issue

Older Editions

Department Newsletters

Friends of the Observatory Newsletters