Joel Kastner
Professor
Joel Kastner
Professor
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.
Currently Teaching
In the News
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January 20, 2025
3D structure of iconic Ring Nebula gives 'a brand new view of an old astronomical friend'
Space.com highlights research led by Joel Kastner, professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, showing the 3D structure of the Ring Nebula.
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January 14, 2025
RIT professor leads research showing true structure of the iconic Ring Nebula
Scientists now have obtained the clearest three-dimensional view of the nebula, thanks to a research team led by Carlson Center for Imaging Science and School of Physics and Astronomy Professor Joel Kastner.
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April 24, 2024
See the Southern Ring Nebula in 3D
Universe Today highlights the research led by Joel Kastner, professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, on the Southern Ring Nebula's dual-ring formation and the possible role of a second star.
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August 13, 2024
Kastner contributes to NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory 25th anniversary
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May 25, 2023
Kartaltepe and Kastner give plenary talks
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November 18, 2022
Team co-authors astrophysics book chapter
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July 12, 2022
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made with help from Rochester