معرفی
David Gerdes is a Professor of Physics and former Department Chair at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His research primarily focuses on astrophysics and cosmology, with a strong emphasis on observational studies of the outer Solar System, including Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), and exoplanetary systems. He leads major projects like the DECam Ecliptic Exploration Project (DEEP) and contributed to the Dark Energy Survey (DES). Gerdes has discovered several dwarf planets and pioneered citizen science initiatives for solar eclipse observations. His work integrates advanced observational techniques, numerical simulations, and data analysis to explore planetary dynamics and galactic structures.
Key research interests include the formation and evolution of the Solar System, dark matter distribution, and gravitational interactions. Gerdes is involved in projects like NASA’s New Horizons mission, using DECam and HST data to study KBOs. He has developed novel algorithms for detecting faint celestial objects and contributed to understanding Neptune’s resonances and potential undiscovered planets. His leadership roles include steering the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative (DEB) and advancing collaborative science through citizen engagement.
Gerdes’ work has advanced our knowledge of minor planets, cosmic surveys, and public astronomy outreach. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, such as the Rubin Observatory’s Rubin Survey and JWST spectroscopy of Neptune Trojans. His research bridges observational astronomy, computational modeling, and educational outreach, making significant contributions to both academic and public understanding of the cosmos.
