From CASS

Research

Research areas currently active in CASS include theoretical astrophysics; observational astronomy in the optical, UV, infrared, x-ray, and radio regimes; experimental and theoretical space plasma physics; planetary magnetospheres; solar physics; astrometry; studies of comets, asteroids, and meteorites; the origin and evolution of plentary systems; and galaxy evolution.

Optical observational facilites available to CASS scientists include the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, California; the Keck Telescopes on Mauna Kea, Hawaii; and other national and international facilities. CASS scientists may also use a number of specialized research facilities including the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC).

The quality of faculty and research staff makes CASS an attractive host institution for those who have obtained external support such as the NASA Hubble Fellowship, the UC Presidential Fellowship, or a NATO fellowship. The term of a fellowship is generally two to three years with support arrangements negotiated between the fellow, the sponsor, and UCSD.

CASS enjoys a close relationship with the California Space Institute (Calspace), a systemwise research unit located at UCSD. While the organization and charters of CASS and Calspace are fundamentally different, considerable programmatic overlap exists, particularly in the area of space plasma physics.