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Caltech
Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy

Mansi M. Kasliwal

Mansi M. Kasliwal

Professor of Astronomy; Director, Palomar Observatory
B.S., Cornell University, 2005; M.S., Caltech, 2007; Ph.D., 2011. Visiting Associate, Caltech, 2014-15; Assistant Professor, 2015-21; Professor, 2021-; Director, 2025-.

Research Interests: Infrared Transients and Stellar Variables, Optical transients, Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

Overview

The Kasliwal research group discovers and characterizes cosmic fireworks i.e. brilliant flashes of light that tell us about the lifecycle of stars and where elements are synthesized. Our primary discovery engines are two robotic, wide-field infrared and optical cameras at Palomar Observatory. We collaborate with astronomers worldwide to panchromatically characterize the discoveries across the electromagnetic spectrum. We enthusiastically pursue a multi-messenger quest to identify electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events.

Selected Awards

  • Vaibhav Fellow, Department of Science and Technology, India 2024
  • Global Young Leader at Science and Technology Form (selected by NYAS) 2023
  • New Horizons Prize in Physics, Breakthrough Foundation, 2022
  • Eddington Prize Lecture, Cambridge Uni. & Royal Astronomical Society, 2021

Professional Service

  • Adjunct Astronomer, The Observatories, Carnegie Institution for Science
  • NASA Extragalactic Database User's Committee, 2019 - Present
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee (AAAC) Member, 2018 - Present
  • Science Advisory Committee, Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, 2014 – Present

Caltech Affiliations

PhD Thesis - Bridging the Gap: Elusive Explosions in the Local Universe

Related News

LIGO-India Breaks Ground on New Observatory
The Quiet Formation of a Black Hole
Possible "Superkilonova" Exploded Not Once But Twice
New Palomar Director and Director of Instrumentation Roles Announced
Black Hole Flare is Biggest and Most Distant Seen
Palomar Observatory Produces New and Improved "Rainbows" for Astronomers
Zwicky Transient Facility Leads to Classification of 10,000 Supernovae
New Caltech-led Mission Will Study Ultraviolet Sky, Stars, Stellar Explosions
75 Years Later, Palomar Observatory Still Shaping Astronomy
Prepping for Data From the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
Read more news

Selected Publications

For a complete publications list, see feeds.library.caltech.edu

Related Courses

Ay 122 abc. Astronomical Measurements and Instrumentation. 9 units (3-0-6); first, third terms, 2025-26. Prerequisites: Ph 106 bc or equivalent. Measurement and signal analysis techniques throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Courses may include lab work and field trips to Caltech observatories. Ay 122 a concentrates on infrared, optical, and ultraviolet techniques: telescopes, optics, detectors, photometry, spectroscopy, active/adaptive optics, coronography. Imaging devices and image processing. Ay 122 b concentrates on radio through submillimeter techniques: antennae, receivers, mixers, and amplifiers. Interferometers and aperture synthesis arrays. Signal analysis techniques and probability and statistics, as relevant to astronomical measurement. Ay 122 c concentrates on X-ray through gamma-ray techniques. Part b not offered 2025-26.
Instructors: Howard, Kasliwal, Ravi
Ay 125. High-Energy Astrophysics. 9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2025-26. Prerequisites: Ph 106 and Ph 125 or equivalent (undergraduates). High-energy astrophysics, the final stages of stellar evolution; supernovae, binary stars, accretion disks, pulsars; extragalactic radio sources; active galactic nuclei; black holes.
Instructors: Kasliwal, El-Badry