What's special for 2009

2009 will be the 17th continuous year for our Summer Program. As in the past, we will focus on research projects involving individual interactions between the student and a supervisor. In addition, students will have the opportunity to attend lectures on a variety of topics related to space astronomy, The Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescopes.

Applications are now being submitted entirely on-line, using a web interface. Go to our Application Instructions page if you would like to apply for the Space Astronomy Summer Program Program. In 2009, you can start either June 6th or June 22nd.

What is also very special in 2009 is that Servicing Mission 4 to Hubble is due to launch in May, 2009. Participating students will get an inside look at some of the preparations and support activities for the mission and for the rejuvenated telescope.

Directed work with your supervisor

Most of your time at the Institute will be spent working on a directed research project with your supervisor. The range of work done is large and so no one example is sufficient, but the immediate goals are:

1. To give you hands-on experience with professional-level work in the sciences and space mission support.
2. To expose you to the techniques and software relevant to your area of interest.
3. To complete a portion of a project sufficient to lead to a significant result.

Students are expected to give a short presentation at the end of the term on what they have accomplished during their time here.

Talks

Students will get together for lunch three times per week. Talks will be scheduled that are aimed at the student audience and its interests. Some will be on topics related to careers (see below), some on our missions at STScI, some on the practices of professional astronomers and other professionals on our staff, and some on the research done by our scientific staff.

Career guidance

What does it take to continue a career in astronomy? STScI has a very broad range of professionals engaged in astronomy in the broadest sense, and you will have an opportunity to learn about what they do and their career paths. We will talk about getting into graduate school, getting a first job as a post-doc, and permanent jobs.

Extra-curricular activities

Just because it’s work doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Students are encouraged to use their free time to get to know one another and to explore Baltimore and its region. In recent years we have organized an outdoor trip together (such as backpacking or canoeing). Students have also visited Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and other places in the mid-Atlantic region.

To Apply

Go to our applications page for instructions and the link to our on-line application form.