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
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-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-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-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
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.
ASTP-891
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
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.
IMGS-891
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
In the News
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August 29, 2022
![side-by-side images of the Jewel Bug Nebula, with the left showing purples and blues and the right showing reds, blues, and greens.]()
RIT scientists to study molecular makeup of planetary nebulae using radio telescopes
By using radio telescopes to study sun-like stars in their death throes, scientists hope to reveal important information about the origin of life-enabling chemicals in the universe. The NSF is awarding a $339,362 grant to a team led by Professor Joel Kastner to conduct such a study.
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July 18, 2022
![The Butterfly Nebula.]()
A dying star’s last hurrah
Knowable Magazine talks to Joel Kastner, professor in RIT’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and School of Physics and Astronomy, about planetary nebulae and the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. (This story is also featured in Ars Technica).
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July 15, 2022
![three people with headsets talking into microphones in a radio station.]()
Discussing the images from the James Webb Space Telescope
WXXI’s “Connections” program talks to Associate Professor Jeyhan Kartaltepe and Professor Joel Kastner about the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope.
