Stanford UniversityKavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology
Exploring nature in all its scales while seeking answers to fundamental questions about the origin, structure and composition of the cosmos
The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) is an independent laboratory of Stanford University, endowed by The Kavli Foundation and funded additionally by Stanford and the United States Department of Energy. With spaces both on the Stanford campus, including the Fred Kavli Building, and at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, KIPAC includes more than 130 researchers as members, associates or affiliates.
FOUNDED 2003
Leadership
AREAS OF INQUIRY
- COSMOLOGY: KIPAC scientists study the largest features of the universe, including galaxy clusters and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation left over from the Big Bang. It observes galaxy clusters to gain insights into their origin, the evolution of the universe, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy (see below). KIPAC is involved in efforts to measure the polarization in the CMB and to detect patterns that shed light on the very early “inflationary” stage of the universe.
- HIGH-ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS: KIPAC studies matter in states of extreme compression and energy, such as black holes and pulsars. This is a challenging realm for both theory and observation, where much of the matter is literally invisible and the forces at work may or may not follow the laws that apply elsewhere in the universe.
- DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY: Increasingly accurate observations of the universe have led to estimates of its total mass that greatly exceed the objects we can observe, leading to the conclusion that most matter is “dark” – undetectable by any known means. Astronomers also widely believe that a powerful force (“dark energy”) is working against gravity to spur the universe’s expansion. Drawing on both theoretical and experimental expertise, KIPAC is attempting to detect the particle that makes up the unseen dark matter, and to unlock the mystery of dark energy.
Legacy Survey of Space and Time
The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is a planned 10-year survey of the southern sky that will take place at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. KIPAC members have leading roles in project areas, including the observatory, camera, and Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC).
Learn moreFeatured News
Read more about the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at Stanford University
See all newsAstrophysics Research Highlights
A fascinating observation of a tiny star hurling out a beam four trillion times its size offers an intriguing glimpse into the range of distances astrophysicists deal with
Apr 05, 2022
Astrophysics Research Highlights
Kavli Institute researchers are continuing to broaden and deepen our knowledge of the contents and history of the cosmos
Mar 02, 2022
Astrophysics Research Highlights
The James Webb Space Telescope begins to assemble itself and undergo commissioning out on the final frontier
Feb 02, 2022
Neuroscience Research Highlights
Highlights from Kavli Institutes around the world
Dec 16, 2021
Astrophysics Research Highlights
More cosmic data will be collected in the near future than centuries'-worth of skygazing have gathered so far – an exciting development that requires innovative approaches
Dec 13, 2021
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