Astronomical and planetary science research at the University of North Dakota has blossomed in recent years with new NASA-funded research programs focusing on the study of main-belt and near-Earth asteroids. These programs, which focus on the geologic characterization of asteroid surfaces via the application of ground-based near-infrared spectral observations, are providing vital information to better understand the physical and geologic nature of small bodies in the inner solar system. These programs have funded several M.S. theses in the UND Department of Space Studies and have provided important, research-based graduate-level experiences for students interested in continuing their education at the doctoral level. Important questions being addressed include:

• What is the nature of the M-asteroid population and how much geologic diversity exists within this taxonomic group of main-belt asteroids?
  
• What is the geologic diversity among the near-Earth asteroid population?
  
• What are the physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and how can this information assist impact mitigation strategies?
  

In addition, the North Dakota NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) received a one-year, $50,000 grant (May 2009 - April 2010) to develop a solar physics research group in North Dakota. This effort, which will fund thesis work for two UND Space Studies M.S. students, involves collaborations with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the Hinode Sun-watching spacecraft mission (http://solarb.msfc.nasa.gov ), and the National Solar Observatory, Sunspot, New Mexico (http://www.nso.edu). The primary goal of this project is to give participating faculty the research experience necessary to submit proposals to, and receive funding from, the regular funding programs at NASA and NSF..

Astronomical and planetary science research is one of the Research Focus Areas (RFAs) in the North Dakota NASA EPSCoR and North Dakota Space Grant Consortium (NDSGC) programs. Thanks to the funding described above, this general research area has been identified as having growth potential in North Dakota. Efforts will continue to assist North Dakota college and university faculty in their efforts to secure high-quality, impactful research funding that will improve the NASA-relevant research infrastructure in North Dakota.

Astronomical and planetary science research at the University of North Dakota has blossomed in recent years with new NASA-funded research programs focusing on the study of main-belt and near-Earth asteroids. These programs, which focus on the geologic characterization of asteroid surfaces via the application of ground-based near-infrared spectral observations, are providing vital information to better understand the physical and geologic nature of small bodies in the inner solar system. These programs have funded several M.S. theses in the UND Department of Space Studies and have provided important, research-based graduate-level experiences for students interested in continuing their education at the doctoral level. Important questions being addressed include:

• What is the nature of the M-asteroid population and how much geologic diversity exists within this taxonomic group of main-belt asteroids?
  
• What is the geologic diversity among the near-Earth asteroid population?
  
• What are the physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and how can this information assist impact mitigation strategies?