Jane Luu

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Jane Luu's career is marked by historic achievements that have fundamentally altered our understanding of the solar system. Her co-discovery of the Kuiper Belt stands as one of the most significant astronomical findings of the late 20th century, earning her the prestigious Kavli Prize in Astrophysics. This award, often considered the Nobel Prize of astronomy, recognizes her pivotal role in identifying a vast reservoir of icy bodies beyond Neptune. Beyond the prize itself, her work has inspired generations of scientists, particularly women and immigrants, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her induction into the American Astronomical Society and her recognition by the President of the United States further underscore her impact on the scientific community.

AwardsJane Luu has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking work in astronomy. Most notably, she was awarded the Kavli Prize in Astrophysics in 2012, sharing the honor with David Jewitt and Michael Brown for discovering and characterizing the Kuiper Belt. She was also honored by President Barack Obama in 2013, joining Mildred Dresselhaus and Anne Graybiel in the Oval Office. Additionally, she has received distinguished alumni awards from both Stanford University and the University of Hawaii.

Honours & Distinctions

Kavli Prize in Astrophysics

Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters·2012

Awarded for discovering and characterizing the Kuiper Belt and its largest members.

Presidential Recognition

White House·2013

Hosted in the Oval Office by President Barack Obama alongside other distinguished scientists.

American Astronomical Society Membership

AAS·Unknown

Elected as a member, reflecting her standing within the professional community.

Records & Feats

First Kuiper Belt Object Discovery

Historic First·1992

Co-discovered 1992 QB1, the first object identified in the Kuiper Belt, fundamentally changing our view of the solar system.