About Us
Founded in 1944, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute in Israel, and advances its mission of science for the future of humanity.
Space
Missions
Earth-Based Space Observation
Cosmology & Extreme Astrophysics
High-Energy Particle Physics
Advanced Physics Technologies
Theoretical Physics
Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam
Department of Particle Physics and Astrophysics
In partnership with NASA and the Israel Space Agency, ULTRASAT is scheduled to launch into high-Earth orbit in 2026, when it will revolutionize scientists' ability to detect and analyze transient events, including neutron star mergers and supernova explosions.
Advancing International Space Exploration
ULTRASAT is a collaboration with NASA and the Israel Space Agency that, once launched in 2026, will use a telescope with an unprecedentedly large field of view (204 squared degrees) to conduct the first widefield survey of transient and variable ultraviolet sources. In addition to capturing a type of data different from what is captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, ULTRASAT will cover an area 150,000 times larger than the area covered by the Webb Telescope.
Why Weizmann?
Astrophysicists examining the vast reaches of outer space, particle physicists uncovering the building blocks of matter, theoretical physicists advancing ideas with international influence — the Weizmann Institute is a global physics powerhouse home to some of the world's most influential minds in the field. Frontiers of the Universe is bringing them together to accelerate innovation and progress.
The World's Most Powerful Survey Telescope
The Weizmann Institute is building a new astrophysical observatory in the Negev Desert that will include several facilities for scanning the sky and making follow-up observations. A core element is the Large Array Survey Telescope (LAST) with 48 telescopes, each with an extremely wide field of view. When completed, the new array will possess the fastest sky-scanning capabilities in the world — three times faster than any other telescope on Earth — allowing Weizmann experimental astrophysicists to identify transient events in deep space, such as star explosions of various types, and observe planets orbiting distant suns.
The Giant Magellan Telescope Project: Collaborating With Elite Company
With operation expected to begin in 2029, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be the most sensitive ground-based telescope ever built. Set at the southern edge of Chile's Atacama Desert, the observatory is being designed and erected by a consortium of the world's top astrophysics experts in top-flight institutions around the world, including the Weizmann Institute. The Giant Magellan Telescope will gather high-resolution images that are expected to revolutionize the way we understand the universe and our place in it.
Under Construction: A Destination Facility to Explore the Universe
Construction is underway on the N.E. Alexander Family M Foundation Physics Building. This future home for Frontiers of the Universe will facilitate the multidisciplinary dialogue and collaboration that is integral to propelling new discoveries in particle physics and astrophysics. Once complete, this destination facility will house workshops for prototyping innovative technologies, offer an educational wing to students and the general public, and provide visitors with a range of experiences with Weizmann scientists, including live-streamed videos of satellite and telescope operations and rooftop stargazing!
Education and Outreach
A vital part of the Weizmann mission is to educate and mentor the Institute’s graduate students, as well engage the next generation of young scientists. Frontiers of the Universe will develop outreach programs for schools around key project milestone and will host school groups on site to observe scientists at work.
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Exploring the physical world
Brain and neural science. Artificial intelligence. Frontiers of the universe. Environmental sustainability. The Weizmann Institute of Science's four flagship priorities are moving these crucial areas of research into the future, forging new paths through creativity, collaboration, and emerging technology. Your support will help Weizmann scientists make the next generation of breakthroughs for the future of humanity.
©2024 American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
