Howard Bond

Howard Bond is an Adjunct Professor of Practice in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University, and an Astronomer Emeritus at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). His career spans over five decades, with key roles including Professor at Louisiana State University (1969-1984), tenured Astronomer at STScI (1984-2008), and co-founder of the Hubble Heritage Program. He holds a B.S. in Physics (University of Illinois, 1964), and M.S. and Ph.D. in Astronomy (University of Michigan, 1965-1969).

Education

• B.S. Physics, University of Illinois, 1964
• M.S. Astronomy, University of Michigan, 1965
• Ph.D. Astronomy, University of Michigan, 1969

Research Interests

Bond's work focuses on stellar evolution, particularly post-asymptotic-giant-branch (post-AGB) stars and light echoes. He pioneered studies of luminous red transients like V838 Monocerotis and demonstrated the utility of post-AGB stars as extragalactic distance indicators. His research also encompasses planetary nebulae, white dwarfs, globular clusters, and variable star monitoring.

Notable Contributions

Bond co-discovered the optical counterpart to Gamma-Ray Burst 970508, confirming their cosmological origin. He led imaging campaigns with the Hubble Space Telescope, including the iconic Ring Nebula observation featured on U.S. postage stamps (2000). His editorship of the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (1991-1997) and the Planets, Stars, and Stellar Systems series (2013) underscores his role in advancing astronomical communication.

Awards & Recognition

• 2003 Klumpke-Roberts Award (ASP) for Hubble Heritage Program contributions
• 2007 American Astronomical Society Education Prize
• 2020 Fellow of the American Astronomical Society

Grants & Observations

Bond secured Hubble observing time in 31 out of 32 cycles (1990-2024) and all James Webb Space Telescope cycles (2021-2024). His work leverages facilities like STScI's WFC3 and ground-based telescopes (e.g., Cerro Tololo).

Labs & Collaborations

As STScI's HST Telescope Time Review Board Chair, he managed peer review processes. His collaborations include the SMARTS Consortium for variable star monitoring and the Heritage Program's public outreach efforts.