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MPS Astronomical Sciences

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MPS Astronomical Sciences

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The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) is the primary federal funder of America's ground-based exploration of space through astronomical sciences. This support enables discovery and understanding of objects and phenomena within the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies, and the entire universe.

Astronomical sciences investigate the unknown vastness of space and everything it contains. Breakthroughs in astronomical sciences have revealed the accelerating expansion of the universe, planets in other solar systems, the nature of black holes and the existence of dark matter.

NSF MPS funds astronomical sciences research, instrumentation and education. Research supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery and innovation in a range of fields. The programs also provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas like predicting solar storms and discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems.

MPS programs also prioritize training and workforce development by supporting students and early-career scientists. These opportunities allow more people to get involved with cutting-edge research and become part of America's STEM workforce.

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Astronomical sciences programs

Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee

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Astronomical sciences programs

MPS invests in experimental and theoretical research through several astronomical sciences research programs. The programs support individual researchers and small teams as well as new technologies and larger research projects involving new facilities and scientific capabilities.

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Astronomical Sciences Core Research

Supports individual investigators and collaborative research groups. Includes observational, theoretical, laboratory and archival data studies in astronomy and astrophysics. Broad topic areas include, but are not limited to:

Cosmology.

Extragalactic astronomy.

Galactic astronomy.

Stellar astronomy.

Exoplanet studies.

Solar and solar system astronomy.

Time-domain astrophysics.

Laboratory astrophysics.

Statistical and computational methods for astronomy.

Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation

Supports the development of advanced technologies and instrumentation for use in ground-based astronomy and astrophysics, including advanced technology development and concept feasibility studies.

Astronomical Sciences Innovations

Supports a small number of larger astronomical sciences activities and projects including research projects, facilities development, construction and operations, and open-access capabilities.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee

The Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee (AAAC) advises NSF, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy on issues within the fields of astronomy and astrophysics that are of mutual interest and concern to those agencies.

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Search for MPS programs and funding opportunities and find contact information.

Preparing your proposal
A guide with helpful tips on how to write and submit a research proposal to NSF. 

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Publication date: May 1, 2026

Last updated: June 29, 2026

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