The Center for Astrophysics at Notre Dame

Dear Friends,

Great progress has been made in astrophysics at Notre Dame. Recently, an international group of researchers, including Timothy Beers, Grace-Rupley Professor of Physics at Notre Dame, have found evidence for the earliest stars in the Universe, called Population III (Pop III) stars, in the spectrum of a distant quasar. The most likely explanation is that it was produced by an exotic supernova, called a pair-instability supernova (PISN).

Stars that undergo this type of explosion may be among the first to have been born and may be responsible for the rapid enrichment of distant galaxies now being studied. The Center for Astrophysics at Notre Dame University (CANDU) serves as a focus for this effort.

Since its founding in 1865, the College of Science has built upon the University’s world-renowned intellectual resources while building a state-of-the-art infrastructure. What hasn’t changed — and never will — is the University’s unwavering commitment to its Catholic character and the college’s mission to prepare tomorrow’s scientific leaders to think big while also inspiring them to make a difference. They are emboldened to share their knowledge and discoveries in ways that encourage collaboration, advance learning, and contribute to the common good. This profound sense of unity of purpose is what sets us apart.

CANDU is an integral part of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame — building upon our past to build a better future for all. Join us!