University of Arizona | United States
Prof. Dr. Chris Impey is a distinguished astronomer whose research has profoundly shaped modern astrophysics and astronomy education. With over 34,300 citations, an h-index of 88, and an i10-index of 192, his scholarly influence spans across extragalactic astronomy, quasars, and cosmology. He has authored more than 400 refereed publications and conference papers, including pioneering studies on polarization, blazars, and low surface brightness galaxies. His extensive research funding includes numerous NASA and NSF grants, advancing the understanding of active galactic nuclei, quasars, and cosmic evolution. Beyond technical contributions, Prof. Impey is a prolific author and editor of over 18 books, including The Living Cosmos, How It Began, and Worlds Without End, which bridge scientific insight with philosophical reflection on humanity’s place in the universe. His interdisciplinary approach integrates astronomy, astrobiology, and education, emphasizing public engagement and science communication. Through decades of innovative research, teaching, and authorship, Prof. Impey has become a leading voice in exploring the origins, structure, and future of the cosmos, inspiring generations of scientists and students worldwide.
Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar
Featured Publications
Grayson, S., Simon, M. N., Buxner, S., Wenger, M., & Impey, C. (2025). Motivation, demographics, and engagement during COVID-19 in an astrobiology massive open online course. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 21(1), 010109.
Impey, C., Wenger, M., Garuda, N., Golchin, S., & Stamer, S. (2025). Using large language models for automated grading of student writing about science. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education.
Impey, C. (2024, July). Developing technology tools to combat fake science. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.
Impey, C., & Danehy, A. (2024, July). Exploring the frontiers of space in 3D. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.
Impey, C. (2024, July). Graduate certificate in science communication. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.
Impey, C. (2024, July). Massive open online courses: Astronomy for astronomical numbers. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.
Impey, C. (2024, July). Using machine learning for automated grading of student science writing. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.
Impey, C. (2024, July). Videos for astronomy education and outreach. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.
Impey, C., Pereira, V., Danehy, A., & Wenger, M. (2023, July 12). Video as a vehicle for astronomy education and outreach. Astronomy Education Journal, 3(1), 052resana.
He, Y. (Kay), Impey, C., & Burleson, W. (2023, June 1). StellarScape: An immersive multimedia performance inspired by the life of a star. Leonardo, 56(3), 1–7.
Impey, C., Wenger, M., & Riabokin, X. (2023, April 1). The design and delivery of an astrobiology massive open online class. Astrobiology, 23(4), 1–10.
Impey, C. (2022, August). Life beyond Earth: How will it first be detected? Acta Astronautica, 199, 19–25.
Impey, C. (2022, April 19). Astrobiology for education and outreach: Three immersive projects. Preprint, ESSOAr.
Impey, C., & Formanek, M. (2021). MOOCs and 100 days of COVID: Enrollment surges in massive open online astronomy classes during the coronavirus pandemic. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 3(1), 100177.
Impey, C. D. (2021). Science and faith off-Earth. In Astrobiology, discovery, and societal impact (pp. 345–358). Springer.
Szocik, K., Shelhamer, M., Braddock, M., Cucinotta, F. A., Impey, C., Worden, P., Peters, T., Ćirković, M. M., Smith, K. C., & Tachibana, K. (2021, October). Future space missions and human enhancement: Medical and ethical challenges. Futures, 131, 102819.
Szocik, K., Abood, S., Impey, C., Shelhamer, M., Haqq-Misra, J., Persson, E., Oviedo, L., Capova, K. A., Braddock, M., & Rappaport, M. B. (2020, March). Visions of a Martian future. Futures, 117, 102514.
Impey, C. (2019, December). Online resources for astronomy education and outreach. Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, 15(S367), 39–45.