About
Matthew J. Holman is a Senior Astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and a Lecturer in the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. He received his S.B. in Mathematics (1989) and Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences (1994) from MIT, following postdoctoral roles at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.
- Senior Astrophysicist, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (tenured since 2001)
- Lecturer, Harvard University Department of Astronomy
- Interim Director, Minor Planet Center
Research: Holman specializes in long-term solar system dynamics and extrasolar planetary systems. His observational work includes Kuiper belt objects, Centaurs, and outer planet satellites using KPNO, CTIO, Las Campanas, HST, MMT, and Magellan observatories. He co-developed the widely used symplectic integration algorithm for solar system orbit modeling and discovered satellites of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the 1999 Newcomb Cleveland Award for outstanding publication in Science. His work connects planetary dynamics with observational astronomy, advancing understanding of celestial mechanics.
