Prof. Karen Kwitter, who taught at Williams for 40 years, passed away on August 19th, 2024. This page is a collection of remembrances of her and her career. If you have any additions or corrections, please contact us.
Karen had a devoted love for her family and a dedication to teaching, research, and guiding her students, all with an approachable and welcoming spirit. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched. – Madeline Kennedy, former assistant to Prof. Jay Pasachoff
She will be known as the astronomer who studied the death of stars, but to me she was and always will be the brightest star who gave not only her time and energy to everyone around her but a close friendship that will be cherished deeply. – Michele Rech, Physics and Astronomy administrate coordinator
Planetary Nebulae: Sources of Enlightenment. 2022 PASP review article
2019 Commencement Commemoration
Exploding stars, colliding galaxies, and you: 2014 TEDx talk
American Association for the Advancement of Science Honors Astronomer Karen Kwitter – Jan 2009
Cosmic Chemistry: 2004 Faculty in Focus article
Webpage: Home to a gallery of planetary nebula spectra, planetary nebula line strengths, and Grandma Rosie’s Fabulous Challah recipe.