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Monday, December 23, 2024

University professor Marcia Rieke receives prestigious Gruber Cosmology Prize

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Hillenbrand Aquatic Center | University of Arizona

Hillenbrand Aquatic Center | University of Arizona

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 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