Which are the best American universities for astronomy?

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SUMMARY

The best American universities for graduate studies in observational astronomy, particularly in planetary astronomy and related fields, include the University of Arizona, which houses the Lunar and Planetary Lab (LPL) and is ranked #6 globally for space science according to US News. Other notable institutions mentioned are Caltech, Ohio State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Harvard University (HYP). These universities offer robust programs that align with interests in exoplanetology, exobiology, and stellar astronomy within the specified distance range.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of observational astronomy techniques
  • Familiarity with planetary astronomy concepts
  • Knowledge of exoplanetology and exobiology
  • Awareness of academic rankings and program offerings in astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Lunar and Planetary Lab at the University of Arizona
  • Explore graduate programs at Caltech for observational astronomy
  • Investigate Ohio State University's astronomy department offerings
  • Learn about the University of Texas at Austin's research in exoplanetology
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in astronomy, particularly those focused on observational studies, planetary astronomy, and related fields, will benefit from this discussion.

Omega Force
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Hello.

I'm a French student and I'm planning to go to the United States for a graduate program in astronomy.

When I will arrive in the U.S. I will begin by the first year of graduate. Then I will pursue with a Ph.D. and some postdoctoral research.

I would like to know which are the best American universities/colleges for what I want to do.

Concerning what division of astronomy I am interested in:
I'm not interested in the conception of telescopes, instruments and other systems. I'm not interested in engineering. And I'm not interested in extremely theoretical astronomy either.
I'm interested in observational astronomy.

Regarding what subfields of astronomy I am interested in:
I'm not interested in extragalactic astronomy or cosmology.
I'm interested in planetary astronomy, exoplanetology, exobiology, SETI, stellar astronomy in the solar neighborhood.
I'm not interested in things that are less than 2 Astronomical Units or more than 70 light years away from us.

Thanks in advance for your answers.
 
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I can recommend the Lunar and Planetary Lab at the University of Arizona. U of A as a university is ranked #6 in the world for space science (US News World university ranking), and LPL should be right up your alley for what you've described. Other than that, I can offer only second-hand advice: Caltech, Ohio State, UT Austin, HYP.
 

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