Harrison Krantz

Link to resume

PhD Astronomy & Astrophysics
Expected 2023, University of Arizona Steward Observatory

MS Astronomy & Astrophysics
2020, University of Arizona Steward Observatory

BS Engineering Physics
2017, Colorado School of Mines

BS Computer Science
2017, Colorado School of Mines

I am a self-described "Full-Stack" scientist for comprehensive electro-optical Space Situational Awareness (SSA) research, instrument development and operations. That is to say I do everything involving observing satellites and space debris with telescopes or cameras. Everything from defining the project to creating new instrumention, to observing with the telescope, to developing software and analyzing the data. Read descriptions of my projects here.

My PhD thesis is a comprehensive photometric survey to characterize the brightness of LEO satellites, such as Starlink, and evalutate the impact to astronomy. In particular I am developing metrics to describe the apparent, as-seen in the sky, brightness in a way that is relevant to astronomers.

I previously attended Colorado School of Mines where I completed a double major in Physics and Computer Science. I worked as a research assistant under Dr. Lawrence Wiencke. I conducted research regarding the detection and physical simulation of ultra-high energy cosmic rays in support of the Extreme Universe Space Observatory (EUSO) collaboration.

Other Things

I have a myriad of hobbies including D&D, racing cars, film & digital photography, computers & tech, making things (wood shop, machining, welding, 3D printing, electronics). I enjoy exploring the wilderness and have recently discovered a inclination for grand outdoors adventures such as long-distance thru-hiking. In 2022 I hiked the 220 mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney in California. In 2021 I oared a raft down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

I ran varsity Cross Country and Track at Colorado School of Mines. During my time there we won the 2015 NCAA DII Cross Country National Championship. On the track I ran the mile, 3K, and DMR during the indoor season and the 3K steeplechase during outdoors. I qualified for the NCAA DII Outdoor Track National Championships in the 3K steeplechase during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In 2016 I finished 11th in the finals and recieved 2nd Team All-American honors. In 2017, I placed 13th narrowly missing finals by less than a second. I hold the steeplechase track record at the Stermole Track and Field Complex in Golden, CO. New track Record!