# MPS-Ascend Faculty Catalyst: A Planet is Born: Leveraging Current and Next Generation Facilities to Catch Planet Formation in the Act

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of San Diego (CA) · $277,936

## Abstract

Astronomers continue to piece together an understanding of exoplanet formation conditions, compositions, and environments. One challenge is that their bright stellar hosts hinder the detailed characterization of the planets’ atmospheres. The discovery of planetary-mass companions (PMCs) on wide orbits has allowed for the study of atmospheres of Jupiter-like exoplanets, serving as analogs for those on closer-in orbits like those of our Solar System giants. A researcher and her team at the University of San Diego has been awarded a Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Faculty Catalyst (AFC) Award to observe ongoing gas giant planet formation in wide-orbit planetary-mass, and to design specialized observing modes in anticipation of future instrumentation upgrades. This both expands the types of exoplanets that can be characterized while also laying the groundwork for preparing direct-imaging studies with upcoming 30-m class telescopes. This Award will support four undergraduate summer student researchers as well as two full-time post-baccalaureate student researchers. The researcher will expand the department's physics retention efforts with year-round activities such as professional development, research skills training and career information woven into course offerings, and a near-peer mentoring program within the campus summer research experiences.

Over the course of the AFC award, the proposer will work on two projects. The first is to observe ongoing gas giant p

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2525859
- **Awardee organization:** University of San Diego (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** V6S1GT51XD56
- **PI:** Raquel A Martinez
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
- **Estimated total:** $277,936
- **Funds obligated:** $277,936
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2525859

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2525859, MPS-Ascend Faculty Catalyst: A Planet is Born: Leveraging Current and Next Generation Facilities to Catch Planet Formation in the Act. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2525859. Licensed CC0.

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