Charles Telesco

Charles Telesco is a Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Florida, where he established the Astronomical Instrumentation Program in 1995. He holds a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Chicago (1977), with prior NASA affiliations at Ames and Marshall Space Flight Centers. His research focuses on cosmic magnetic fields and astrobiology, leveraging instruments like CanariCam (a GTC facility instrument developed by his team) and the IMPS polarimeter for exoplanet studies.

Key scientific contributions include mid-IR polarimetry of magnetic fields in star-forming regions and the development of compact polarimeters for biosignature detection. His work is supported by the NSF and involves collaborations with SETI, NASA, and NIST. Telesco's technical expertise spans infrared instrumentation, interstellar dust dynamics, and high-resolution observational techniques.

Recent publications emphasize ultra-late-time spectroscopy of Type Ia supernovae (e.g., SN 2021aefx) using JWST, alongside advancements in polarimetry for both astrophysical and astrobiological applications. Active projects include refining IMPS for extraterrestrial biosignature detection and mid-IR surveys of nearby stars with CanariCam.