Anna Y. Q. Ho, assistant professor of astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded the 2026 Newton Lacy Pierce Prize by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

Given annually for outstanding achievement in observational astronomical research based on measurements of radiation from an astronomical object, the Pierce Prize this year recognizes Ho's pioneering investigations of extreme explosions powered by stellar death. Her research has revealed ultra-bright, short-duration optical flaring associated with a new class of visual events called Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transients (LFBOTs).

LFBOTs are thought to be associated with the destruction of stars, and Ho is on the front lines of observing and interpreting these events, which are rare, poorly understood, and often linked to strange phenomena.

"The origin of LFBOTs is a pressing mystery in time-domain astronomy," Ho said. "The proposed models would all be important for our understanding of the lives and deaths of stars, as well as the formation and growth of black holes. I am so fortunate to be able to tackle cosmic puzzles with my students, postdocs and collaborators."

Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences website.