THE VILLANOVA ONE SKY CENTER FOR ASTROPHYSICS
The Villanova One Sky Center for Astrophysics is dedicated to advancing innovation and excellence in astrophysics by prioritizing inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups.
The study of the Universe is foundational to the liberal arts, bridging timeless philosophical questions with modern, data-driven problem-solving methods. By exploring the cosmos, astrophysics inspires curiosity and equips students with critical skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers from science to engineering, medicine, business, law and more. However, the field has historically lacked a multitude of voices—limiting its potential for innovation and discovery. The Center will create opportunities for more students to access astrophysics, paving the way for a more accessible and welcoming discipline. With internationally recognized faculty in the field, The Villanova One Sky Center will also elevate the University's longstanding record of research eminence in astronomy and astrophysics.
WHAT WE DO
The Center will build relationships with community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, inviting promising students to participate in research alongside Villanova faculty mentors. By fostering connections with local universities, the Center aims to be an educational resource, offering colloquia and providing opportunities to utilize the Villanova Public Observatory for night-time observing and celestial events.
By forging partnerships with local high schools, colleges, and universities, the Center seeks to expand engagement in astrophysics. Empowering talented students is key to addressing humanity's future challenges. As an educational resource, the Center will foster inclusive opportunities and provide access to astrophysics for all.
By uniting the efforts of two departments, the Department of Physics and the Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science, The Villanova One Sky Center will elevate faculty research in stellar astrophysics, star formation, cosmology, black holes, explosive events and transient phenomena. The Center will work with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory to analyze data collected from the 8.4-meter Simonyi Survey Telescope in Chile, a partnership that elevates the Center’s research contributions to the field. Using the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) camera—the largest digital camera ever built—the telescope will scan the sky for 10 years and produce an extraordinarily high-definition time-lapse record of the Universe, driving discoveries about dark energy, dark matter, galaxy formation and our transient universe.
