Saul A. Teukolsky
Robinson Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics
B.Sc., University of the Witwatersrand, 1970; Ph.D., Caltech, 1973. Visiting Associate, Caltech, 2015-16; Robinson Professor, 2017-.
Research Interests: Gravitational-Wave Physics; Theoretical Astrophysics
Overview
Saul A. Teukolsky is a leading figure in theoretical astrophysics and general relativity, best known for the Teukolsky equation, which describes perturbations of rotating black holes and plays a central role in gravitational-wave research. Teukolsky is also a co-author of the influential Numerical Recipes series, a foundational resource in scientific computing. In addition to his research contributions, he is a dedicated educator recognized for his clear and rigorous teaching.
Selected Awards
- Dirac Medal, 2021
- Einstein Prize, American Physical Society, 2021
- Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, 2016
- Elected to National Academy of Sciences, 2003
- Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1996
Selected Awards
- Dirac Medal, 2021
- Einstein Prize, American Physical Society, 2021
- Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, 2016
- Elected to National Academy of Sciences, 2003
- Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1996
External Affiliations
- Hans A. Bethe Professor of Physics and Astrophysics, Emeritus, Cornell, 2022-present
External Affiliations
- Hans A. Bethe Professor of Physics and Astrophysics, Emeritus, Cornell, 2022-present
Professional Organizations
- Fellow, International Society on General Relativity & Gravitation, 2025
- American Astronomical Society
- Fellow, American Physical Society
- American Association of Physics Teachers
Professional Organizations
- Fellow, International Society on General Relativity & Gravitation, 2025
- American Astronomical Society
- Fellow, American Physical Society
- American Association of Physics Teachers
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Ph 236 abc. General Relativity.
9 units (3-0-6); first, second terms, 2025-26.
Prerequisites: a mastery of special relativity at the level of Goldstein's Classical Mechanics, or of Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics.
A systematic exposition of Einstein's general theory of relativity and its applications to gravitational waves, black holes, relativistic stars, causal structure of space-time, cosmology and brane worlds. Given in alternate years.
Part c not offered 2025-26.
Instructors: Chatziioannou, Teukolsky
Instructors: Chatziioannou, Teukolsky