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
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
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
- Director, Palomar Observatory, 2025-present
Caltech Affiliations
- Director, Palomar Observatory, 2025-present
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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
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
Instructors: Kasliwal, El-Badry