SLAC topics

Particle Astrophysics & Cosmology (PAC) RSS feed

To explore the birth of the universe, star and galaxy formation and the structure of space and time, SLAC researchers help develop cutting-edge technologies for a range of sensitive experiments.

Speed of hydrogen gas in a rotating galaxy.

News Feature

Margaux Lopez is helping prepare the Vera Rubin Observatory for the arrival of the largest digital camera ever built for astrophysics and cosmology.

Margaux Lopez in front of a telescope building.
News Feature

A new report outlines suggestions for federal investments needed for the next generation of transformative discoveries in particle physics and cosmology, including priority projects...

A web of dark matter, in which galaxies are forming.
News Brief

Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s fast-moving telescope and huge digital camera will illuminate the faint glow of free-floating stars within galaxy clusters, providing unprecedented insight...

A smattering of hundreds of galaxies of different shapes and sizes against a black background. Semi-opaque teal blobs surround and connect many of the galaxies.
News Feature

Three SLAC scientists explain what they do to ensure the world's largest digital camera for astronomy is ready for the big time.

A digital sensor array is visible through a large camera lens inside a white room.
News Feature

It takes a lot of meetings, travel logistics and even tracking down some parts to keep a large team collaborating on a project like...

A portrait of Regina Matter.
News Feature

The first batch of data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument is now available for researchers to mine. Taken during the experiment’s “survey validation”...

A telescope building sits atop a mountain in twilight.
News Feature

Just because matter is visible doesn’t mean it’s easy to see.

Illustration of Earth and galaxies with icons representing telescopes.
News Collection

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is currently under construction in Chile. The U.S. Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is leading the construction of its camera – the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy.

Diagram of Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) camera lenses and filters
News Feature

An astronomy festival will mark the milestone.

Visitors at KIPAC are observing the sun through telescopes and sun-spotters.
News Brief

A new study probing the structure and evolution of galaxy clusters shows good agreement with the predictions of standard cosmological models. 

A cluster of bright galaxies on a black background.
Video

Learn about the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) and Vera C. Rubin Observatory in this video.

LSST Explainer | Mapping the universe
Video
News Feature

An enormous vat of pure liquid xenon will help scientists at SLAC and around the globe learn more about the universe.

A collection of pipes, towers, and other equipment