Department of Astronomy

Yuan-Sen Ting: How AI is Impacting Science Research

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Yuan-Sen Ting, Associate Professor of Astronomy and a member of the Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics, discusses his innovative research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and astronomy. He uses large language models as agents to aid in astronomical research. He explains the concept of agentic research, how AI assists in tasks such as identifying outlier data from telescopic observations, and the potential and limitations of AI in complementing human researchers. Dr. Ting also talks about his background in mathematical physics, his interest in non-intrusive applications of AI, and the future of AI in scientific research. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use and critically assess AI outputs in their work.

You may also be interested in Dr. Ting’s Science Sundays discussion

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Sultana Nahar: Eye on the Sky

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Sultana Nahar, research professor in the Department of Astronomy and 2025 recipient of the William Fowler Award for Research from the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society, discusses her innovative research in atomic astrophysics, including her notable contributions to the NORAD atomic database and the book Atomic Astrophysics and Spectroscopy. She explores the interdisciplinary bridge between physics and astronomy, explaining how her work helps understand astrophysical plasmas and their applications. Profs Staley and Nahar review her work detecting extraterrestrial life through phosphorus spectroscopy, her unique method of using x-rays in medical applications derived from black hole studies, and the study of the sun’s opacity for better astronomical standards.

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Drink in the Cosmos with Paul Martini

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Dr. Paul Martini, a Professor of Astronomy and Physics at The Ohio State University, joins host David Staley to discuss the expanding universe, dark energy, and the role of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) project in advancing research. Dr. Martini also talks about the importance of custom-built instruments in astronomy, the use of machine learning in data analysis, and his personal journey to being an astronomer. To hear more about his research on cosmic acceleration, you can catch Dr. Martini at the Science Sundays series on February 2nd or watch a recording of the event here.

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Schlingman Talks Skeptics, the Las Vegas Sphere, and the 2024 Eclipse

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Wayne Schlingman, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium, talks with host David Staley about the importance of the planetarium, active engagement, and learner-centered environments in educating students and the general public. He also discusses the future of immersive technology and its potentials for education, scientific, and artistic exploration.

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Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (Matter) Says Annika Peter

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Annika Peter, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, works at the interface of particle physics and astronomy to discover the secrets of dark matter. She shares her research on galaxies, particles, and constellations.

Finding a Celestial Needle in a “Haystack” of Similar Needles: Scott Gaudi’s Dilemma

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Scott Gaudi, Thomas Jefferson Professor for Discovery and Space Exploration and University Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Astronomy, is an expert on extrasolar planets and astrobiology. His work with the KELT, Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope, led to the discovery of several planets.

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Prof. John Beacom: Science Is Not About Trying to Memorize What’s in a Book

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Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy John Beacom describes neutrinos, the fun part of science–learning something new–and the importance of science outreach for introducing young people to the field. To this end, Beacom leads the college’s Science Sundays events, whose season begins this Sunday at 3 PM at the Ohio Union U.S. Bank Conference Theater. 

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