Joel Kastner
Professor
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science
College of Science
585-475-7179
Office Location
Joel Kastner
Professor
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science
College of Science
Education
BS, University of Maryland; MS, Ph.D., University of California
Bio
- Joel Kastner (Ph.D. in Astronomy, UCLA 1990) is a Professor on the faculty of Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center for Imaging Science and School of Physics & Astronomy. He was the founding Director of RIT's Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics.
- Prior to his two decades at RIT, Prof. Kastner spent almost a decade at MIT, first as Bantrell Postdoc at MIT Haystack Radio Observatory and then as staff scientist with MIT's side of the Chandra (then AXAF) X-ray Science Center.
- Prof. Kastner's research interests lie in the early and late stages of stellar evolution -- i.e., the formative stages of stars and planetary systems, and their death throes. He has conducted observations of forming and dying stars and stellar systems across a broad swath of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio to X-rays.
- Prof. Kastner was among the original group of (roughly 230) astronomers named as "Legacy" Fellows of the American Astronomical Society in 2020, and presently serves as Chair of the AAS Committee on Employment.
- A complete list of Prof. Kastner's publications can be found at this link to NASA's Astrophysics Data System.
585-475-7179
Areas of Expertise
Star and Planet Formation
Late Stages of Stellar Evolution
Multi-wavelength Astronomical Imaging and Spectroscopy
Image Processing Algorithms and Systems
Imaging Science
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Currently Teaching
IMGS-112
Astronomical Imaging Fundamentals
3 Credits
This course provides an understanding and appreciation of the fundamental science goals driving the development of contemporary astronomical imaging systems and the basic principles and concepts underlying those systems. Students will investigate the world's most powerful telescopes and cameras presently operating in the realm of human vision, as well as systems that image the “invisible”, by tapping the infrared, X-ray, and radio regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum. Laboratory exercises familiarize students with basic visualization, manipulation, and measurement of real astronomical images (drawn from major-facility archives) that span these regimes. Students will also get a glimpse of the future of astronomical imaging. This course satisfies a General Education elective requirement in the areas of natural science inquiry, scientific principles, or science/math literacy. Math proficiency at college algebra level is required.
IMGS-890
Research & Thesis
1 - 6 Credits
Doctoral-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
ASTP-890
Research & Thesis
1 - 6 Credits
Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
IMGS-891
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
ASTP-790
Research & Thesis
1 - 3 Credits
Masters-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
ASTP-730
Stellar Atmospheres & Evolution
3 Credits
An overview of the physical principles and observational phenomenology describing stellar atmospheres and stellar evolution. Topics covered include: atmospheric temperature structure and line formation; atmosphere models and spectral type determination; observational (spectral) diagnostics of stellar masses, abundances, ages and evolutionary states; and a survey of contemporary topics in star formation and pre- and post-main sequence stellar evolution, with emphasis on the physical processes governing stellar accretion, mass loss, and the effects of binary companions on these processes.
ASTP-608
Fundamental Astrophysics I
3 Credits
This course will provide a basic introduction to modern astrophysics, including the topics of radiation fields and matter, star formation and evolution, and stellar structure. This course will provide the physical background needed to interpret both observations and theoretical models in stellar astrophysics and prepare students for more advanced topics and research in astrophysics.
ASTP-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
ASTP-891
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
In the News
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January 27, 2021
![Butterfly Nebula in deep space.]()
Say Goodbye To 2020 With The Year’s Top 10 Hubble Photos
Forbes features work by Joel Kastner, professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and program faculty in the astrophysical sciences and technology graduate program, in its 10 most important Hubble photos from 2020.
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January 15, 2021
![side-by-side images of the Jewel Bug Nebula using different colors to highlight different areas.]()
Astronomers dissect the anatomy of planetary nebulae using Hubble Space Telescope images
Images of two iconic planetary nebulae taken by the Hubble Space Telescope are revealing new information about how they develop their dramatic features. Researchers from RIT and Green Bank Observatory presented new findings about the Butterfly Nebula and the Jewel Bug Nebula at the 237th meeting of the American Astronomical Society on Friday, Jan. 15.
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June 30, 2020
![planetary nebula NGC 7027.]()
Astronomy Picture of the Day
NASA features an image of planetary nebula NGC 7027, captured by RIT professor Joel Kastner and his team, as its Astronomy Picture of the Day.
