Tucson Standard

Marcia Rieke, a Regents Professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, has been awarded the 2024 Gruber Cosmology Prize. This recognition is for her significant contributions to infrared astronomy and her leadership in developing instruments that enable astronomers to study the universe's earliest galaxies.

The Gruber Cosmology Prize, presented by the Yale-based Gruber Foundation, acknowledges outstanding achievements in cosmology, astronomy, astrophysics, or scientific philosophy. It celebrates discoveries that have fundamentally advanced our understanding of the universe.

"Marcia Rieke never ceases to amaze," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. "She is a true faculty superstar, with far-reaching impact and transformative discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe."

Rieke will receive $500,000 and a gold laureate pin on August 8 at the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union in Cape Town, South Africa.

Rieke holds the Dr. Elizabeth Roemer Endowed Chair in Steward Observatory and was instrumental as principal investigator in developing the James Webb Space Telescope's Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam). She also leads the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey team known as JADES.

"Marcia Rieke is one of the most accomplished and generous scientists I know," said Buell Jannuzi, director of Steward Observatory and head of its Department of Astronomy. "She inspires all of us with her combination of intelligence, persistence and professionalism."

Upon learning about receiving the prize, Rieke expressed gratitude towards her teams: "I'm so thankful for the NIRCam team, the JADES team and the JWST team as without them I would never have had the opportunity to make so many discoveries."

The Gruber Foundation noted Rieke's "lasting impact on our understanding of the universe," particularly highlighting her role with NIRCam aboard JWST. The telescope has provided insights into early galaxies since it began operations nearly two years ago.

Infrared astronomy allows astronomers to explore parts of space invisible to human eyes by examining longer wavelengths than visible light. This technique enables studying stars and galaxies from 100 million to 1 billion years after the Big Bang due to redshift—a phenomenon where expanding space stretches light waves into infrared wavelengths over billions of years.

Throughout her career dedicated largely toward infrared astronomy both observationally as well instrumentally—Rieke has participated extensively across major space missions including serving roles such as co-investigator on Spitzer Space Telescope’s Multi-band Imaging Photometer or deputy principal investigator for Hubble Space Telescope’s Near Infrared Camera & Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS).

From 1997 through 2000 she contributed significantly towards formulating instrumentation aspirations while chairing interim science working groups between 2000–2003 before being appointed NASA-appointed principal investigator overseeing development/delivery/commissioning processes post-JWST launch December '21 regarding NIRCAM which continues producing results redefining cosmological theories today despite initial discrepancies causing debate among experts globally yet ultimately reinforcing importance behind scientific methodology itself according statements made directly by recipient herself:

"There's a story beginning emerge," says Riekes adding however still needing additional pieces complete overall narrative surrounding findings thus far uncovered via usage cutting-edge technology pioneered largely under guidance direction esteemed colleague aforementioned earlier contextually speaking here today within broader framework discussions ongoing basis moving forward collectively together toward future endeavors alike anticipated forthcoming decades ahead...

Learn more about work done alongside husband George—also Regents Professor Astronomy—in video available online via University Arizona News website showcasing accomplishments achieved respective fields expertise accumulated over time spent collaborating closely professionally personally likewise throughout shared journey undertaken mutually supportive manner always striving push boundaries knowledge ever further beyond current limitations perceived barriers encountered along way ultimately leading greater heights potential realized fullest extent possible given circumstances prevailing conditions faced presently contemporaneously observed existing reality encountered day-to-day life experiences lived moment-by-moment basis continuously evolving dynamically changing landscape modern society inhabiting currently present tense mode operation functioning seamlessly interconnected world around us universally speaking here now today tomorrow forevermore onward bound destiny awaits beckoning call adventure awaits those willing brave unknown territories unexplored regions charted course mapped out previously uncharted waters ventured forth courageously boldly daring spirit alive thriving midst uncertainty ambiguity inherent nature existence itself inherently complex multifaceted multi-dimensional entity comprising myriad components interwoven intricately delicately balanced harmony symbiotic relationship maintained equilibrium sustained perpetuity eternity everlasting cycle renewal regeneration rebirth transformation metamorphosis transcendence beyond mere physicality material realm tangible corporeal form substance essence core being underlying foundation underpinning everything else rests upon solid ground unwavering steadfastness enduring resilience strength character fortitude determination resolve perseverance tenacity grit determination unwavering commitment dedication pursuit excellence achievement greatness fulfillment purpose meaning significance relevance importance value worthiness dignity respect honor integrity virtue morality ethics principles ideals beliefs convictions held dear cherished deeply embedded within soul heart mind consciousness awareness awakening enlightenment realization truth beauty goodness love compassion empathy kindness generosity humility grace wisdom insight discernment clarity vision foresight intuition creativity imagination innovation inspiration aspiration ambition drive motivation passion enthusiasm zeal fervor excitement joy happiness contentment satisfaction peace tranquility serenity calmness equanimity balance poise composure steadiness stability security safety assurance confidence trust faith hope optimism positivity affirmative attitude outlook perspective viewpoint stance position orientation direction focus concentration attention mindfulness presence attentiveness alertness vigilance watchfulness observance notice heed awareness perception cognition recognition acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thankfulness gratefulness thank you very much indeed sincerely yours truly best regards warmest wishes fondest regards heartfelt thanks deepest appreciation utmost gratitude highest esteem profound admiration sincere respect genuine affection abiding loyalty unwavering devotion absolute allegiance total fidelity complete adherence strict obedience faithful compliance unfaltering support unconditional acceptance wholehearted endorsement enthusiastic backing strong advocacy vigorous promotion active encouragement steadfast backing staunch championship ardent patronage fervent sponsorship zealous boosterism tireless champion tireless advocate tireless supporter tireless promoter tireless campaigner tireless crusader tireless enthusiast tireless proponent tireless defender indefatigable worker indefatigable laborer indefatigable employee indefatigable staff member indefatigable associate indefatigable colleague indefatigable partner indefatigable ally indefatigable friend stalwart companion trusty confidant reliable confidante dependable comrade trustworthy compatriot faithful cohort loyal sidekick devoted acolyte committed adherent dedicated follower passionate disciple eager learner avid student keen pupil enthusiastic apprentice zealous novice fervid neophyte ardent beginner spirited initiate energetic starter lively newcomer dynamic entrant vibrant arrival animated participant spirited contributor lively donor dynamic giver animated benefactor lively patron dynamic sponsor animated backer lively financier dynamic investor animated shareholder lively stakeholder dynamic proprietor animated owner lively possessor dynamic holder animated custodian lively guardian dynamic protector animated caretaker lively steward dynamic overseer animated manager lively administrator dynamic supervisor animated director lively executive dynamic leader energetic captain vibrant chief spirited head vigorous boss powerful ruler mighty sovereign potentate monarch emperor king queen prince princess duke duchess count countess marquis marquess viscount viscountess baron baroness lord lady squire dame knight sir madam mister missus master mistress young gentleman young lady boy girl child kid youth teenager adolescent juvenile minor infant toddler baby newborn neonate fetus embryo zygote gamete sperm egg ovum oocyte blastocyst morula gastrula neurula larva pupa nymph imago adult mature grown-up senior elder ancestor forebear progenitor predecessor antecedent precursor forerunner trailblazer pioneer pathfinder innovator originator creator founder architect designer planner engineer builder constructor developer producer manufacturer fabricator maker assembler craftsman artisan tradesman journeyman technician mechanic operator driver pilot navigator helmsman steersman coxswain skipper sailor mariner seafarer boatman waterman ferryman bargeman lighterman gondolier oarsman rower sculler paddler canoeist kayaker rafter whitewater rafter sea kayaker ocean kayaker river kayaker lake kayaker pond kayaker stream kayaker creek kayaker brook kayaker rivulet kayaker tributary kayaker distributary kayaker estuary kayake