Philip Muirhead

Philip Muirhead is an Associate Professor at Boston University's Department of Astronomy within the College of Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of the Perkins Telescope Observatory and leads the Boston University Low-Mass Star Group. His research focuses on exoplanets, low-mass stars, and astronomical instrumentation.

• Education: B.Sc. from University of Michigan, M.Sc./Ph.D. from Cornell University

Research Interests include:

• Exosatellite detection around L/T dwarfs (PINES Project)
• Characterizing planetary systems around M dwarf stars
• Studying variability mechanisms in substellar objects
• Analyzing eclipsing binary systems for stellar evolution
• Developing infrared instrumentation for transit surveys

The PINES project (NASA-funded) uses the Perkins Telescope's Mimir camera to search for transiting satellites around ~400 L/T dwarfs, exploring extreme planet/moon formation environments. His work combines astrophysical research with accessibility initiatives like inclusive solar eclipse outreach for deaf communities.

• Collaborators: American Museum of Natural History, University of Washington, UC San Diego