In a National Science Review perspective, the research progress and future challenges of nuclear optical clocks are presented. The Th-229 clock, with a small nucleus and separated quantum states, may outperform atomic clocks. After 50-year research, key breakthroughs have been made, and solving remaining issues will revolutionize timekeeping and fundamental physics.

As part of its commitment to unraveling the universe’s mysteries through sustained support of the astrophysics community, the Flatiron Institute is securing the future of MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics), an open-source software suite that has transformed how researchers model the evolution of stars. The Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) is stepping up to support MESA’s need for ongoing maintenance and continued development. CCA has hired Philip Mocz as a full-time software engineer to help ensure MESA’s bright future for the collective benefit of the astrophysics community.