Astronomer Michael R. Blanton will join Carnegie Observatories as its 12th director, leading both astronomical research in Pasadena and telescope operations at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, recognized worldwide as one of the most exceptional observation sites on the planet. Blanton comes from New York University (NYU), where he is Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics. He takes over from John Mulchaey, who was appointed President of Carnegie Science at the end of 2024.
Blanton's research has focused primarily on conducting large-scale astronomical surveys to refine cosmological history and understand galaxy formation. During his more than two decades at NYU, he has played key roles in all generations of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), including directing its fourth phase.
“When we began the search for the new director of Carnegie Science Observatories, we had a long list of qualities we were looking for in an ideal candidate. In Michael, we found someone who not only meets those qualities, but fully embodies Carnegie's spirit of discovery and innovation. His knowledge of the work we do and his enthusiasm for our telescopes and instruments are truly inspiring,” said John Mulchaey, President of Carnegie Science.
Blanton's experience in instrumentation and data acquisition will be especially valuable in overseeing both the research campus in Pasadena and the telescope array at Las Campanas, which includes the 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes, the 2.5-meter du Pont telescope, the 1.0-meter Swope telescope, and the recently installed SDSS Local Volume Mapper. In addition, construction is underway at Las Campanas on the Giant Magellan Telescope, which will radically transform our understanding of the cosmos.
“There is no better place to be an astronomer than Carnegie Observatories. Here we have the resources and freedom to tackle questions that no one else can, using the best telescopes in the world and developing new instruments. It is one of the few places where the next generation of astronomers can be trained comprehensively,” Blanton said upon taking office.
Blanton earned his PhD in astrophysical sciences from Princeton University, after completing his bachelor's degree in applied physics and engineering at Cornell University. Before joining NYU, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and has authored or co-authored more than 200 scientific publications.
The Carnegie Observatories were founded in 1904 by George Ellery Hale, whose collaboration with Andrew Carnegie led to the construction of the Mount Wilson Observatory, where the 100-inch Hooker Telescope enabled Edwin Hubble to demonstrate that Andromeda was a galaxy independent of the Milky Way, ushering in a new vision of the universe. Under Carnegie's wing, Hubble would also discover the expansion of the universe, sparking more than a century of innovations in astronomy and cosmology.
Today, this legacy continues from Las Campanas Observatory, in the clear, dry skies of northern Chile, where Carnegie drives world-class frontier research.
At its Pasadena campus, Carnegie astronomers conduct research ranging from the Solar System to the most distant objects in the universe, lead the development of astronomical instrumentation, and explore technologies with transformative potential. This environment fosters the training of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate interns, strengthening future generations of leaders in astronomy.
In its commitment to scientific outreach, Carnegie actively engages with the public through its annual Open House and Astronomy Lecture Series, held in collaboration with The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
“Engaging the community in the scientific process is an essential part of the Observatories’ mission,” said Blanton. “My goal as director will be to help Carnegie astronomers achieve their most ambitious goals and to share their insights and discoveries with the world.”
Source: Carnegie Science.