UC Observatories

Introducing: Lick Observatory: Behind the Telescopes

Astronomers who trained at Lick Observatory early in their careers are now scattered across the globe, setting new standards in their fields. Where are they now, and how did their time on the mountain shape their journey?

To kick off this brand-new conversation series, science writing intern Kaia Glickman catches up with one of Lick’s most notable alumni: Debra Fischer!✨

During this fascinating conversation they discuss her pioneering research on extrasolar planets, her memories of the observatory, and what it’s like to hunt for worlds beyond our own.

👉 Read the full Q&A story here: https://www.ucobservatories.org/debra-fischer-discovering-worlds-by-the-hundreds/

Debra Fischer: Discovering Worlds by the Hundreds Astronomers who trained at Lick Observatory early in their careers are now scattered across the globe, setting new standards in their fields. Lick Observatory: Behind the Telescopes by Kaia Glickman To launch a new series of conversations, science writing intern Kaia Glickman reached out to one of L...

Passionate about astronomy education and workforce development? We’re hiring! The University of California Observatories (UCO) is looking for a Program Manager to lead day-to-day operations for our revered higher-education and professional programs.

If you are a master organizer who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to shape the next generation of astronomers and technical leaders, this is for you! You'll manage program logistics, coordinate instructional teams, and even have opportunities to contribute to curriculum development.

👉 Apply today to help us launch the future of astronomy education! https://www.ucsc.edu/careers/. Enter the job number 86486

Huge congratulations to our friend and esteemed colleague Professor Alex Filippenko, he stated, “The Lick supernova search and my spectral studies with the Shane telescope were significant factors in my receiving the prize." He also notes, “I obtained many or most of the spectra of high-redshift Type Ia supernova candidates at W. M. Keck Observatory in the mid-1990s, leading to the Nobel-worthy discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe, driven by mysterious dark energy.” His team's supernova research continues, now in its fifth decade at Lick and fourth decade at Keck. More details can be found here:

Astrophysicist Alex Filippenko awarded Gruber Cosmology Prize for work on supernovae - Berkeley News By clarifying the differences among various types of exploding stars, Filippenko enabled them to be used to measure the expansion of the universe.

A new window into the universe is opening—Soon to be installed at the W. M. Keck Observatory together we're pushing the limits of astronomy.

Staff at UC Observatories and UC Santa Cruz Science—alongside a team of more than 50 theorists, observers, instrumentalists, and engineers from over 20 institutions—have built a cutting-edge instrument designed to reveal planets we’ve never been able to see before.

Read more:

www.ucobservatories.org

These are all outstanding scientists–George Fuller for his critical work on how stars make the elements we're all composed of, Doug Lin for his pioneering research on the puzzle of how planets form, and Eric Becklin for being one of the investors of modern infrared astronomy. Seeing Eric get recognized is especially important to me–he was my PhD thesis advisor, one of the very best observational astronomers I've ever known, and started me on the road to where I am now. –Bruce Macintosh UCO Director

Great opportunity to learn more about the nature of dark energy! In Santa Cruz next week? Check out UC Santa Cruz Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Alexie Leauthaud's FREE lecture at the Rio Theatre. Great dinner spots are close by!

Free Public Astronomy Talk—3/11—Foothill College
“Pictures of Distant Worlds” presented by Dr. Bruce Macintosh (Director of the University of California Observatories). Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 7 pm. Dr. Macintosh will also give a brief update on the damage and recovery at Lick Observatory.
For directions and parking information, see: https://foothill.edu/parking/
For a campus map, to find the Smithwick Theater (Bldg. 1000), see: https://foothill.edu/map/

A historic Opportunity to Support the University of California
For the first time in its 157-year history, the University of California is facing unprecedented fiscal uncertainty. Between rising operational costs and federal actions putting over $1 billion in research funding at risk. The challenges are real.

However, two key bonds currently moving through the California state legislature could change this trajectory. These bonds represent a critical investment that PROTECT RESEARCH that delivers public benefits across California for generations to come and provide new affordable housing for students.
Governor Newsom and legislative leaders have shown support, but we need to ensure these critical bills cross the finish line.
Will you join us by contacting your lawmakers to urge them to dedicate funding to scientific research in California? Register your support here:

Email your lawmakers! Now is the time to invest in UC.

California Senate Bill SB 895, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, would establish the California Institute of Scientific Research to support scientific advancement by awarding grants and loans for research and development.

UC leaders, including our Director Bruce Macintosh, stand behind University of California President James Milliken’s statement on the need to protect research funding: “Reductions in federal funding are already disrupting critical UC research that supports thousands of jobs, drives medical innovation, and leads to life-changing solutions that benefit everyone,” said UC President James B. Milliken. "The University is grateful for Sen. Wiener’s efforts to ensure that UC remains the greatest research university in the world.”

Status: The bill is currently scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health Committee on March 25. We’ll continue to share updates as the bill moves through the Legislature. Stay informed and engaged – science impacts us all!

Bill Text - SB-895 California Science and Health Research Bond Act. SB 895 California Science and Health Research Bond Act.

Free Public Astronomy Talk—1/28—Foothill College
“Discovering Dark Energy and New Developments in our Understanding” presented by Dr. Robert Kirshner (Thirty-Meter Telescope Observatory.) Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 at 7 pm.
For directions and parking information, see: https://foothill.edu/parking/
For a campus map, to find the Smithwick Theater (Bldg. 1000), see: https://foothill.edu/map/