Astrophysicist · Author
Dr. Ruth Angus
I'm an Associate Curator and Professor of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. My research focuses on stars and exoplanets, with an emphasis on stellar magnetism, exoplanet discovery, and planetary habitability. My forthcoming book, The Perfect Star, is under contract with Yale University Press.
Research
-
Stellar magnetism, rotation, and ages
Stars spin down as they age, and their magnetic activity declines too. I use the rotation rates of stars to measure their ages, a method known as gyrochronology.
-
Exoplanet discovery
The search for a second Earth requires detailed understanding of stars. I think about how to tease tiny Earth-mass planet signals out of data that is swamped by stellar variability.
-
Planetary habitability
A planet's environment depends on its host star. I study the magnetic and high-energy environments of exoplanets. I am also interested, generally, in what drives habitable conditions in planetary systems.
Book
The Perfect Star
My first book for a general audience is under contract with Yale University Press. More details will appear here closer to publication.
Students
I work with students from Columbia University and CUNY, and postdocs at the American Museum of Natural History. If you're interested in working with me, please read my research expectations first.
Contact
Department of Astrophysics
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024