Mercer Times

Jeremiah P. Ostriker, a renowned astrophysicist and passionate educator, passed away at his home in New York City on April 6. Ostriker, known for his extensive work in cosmology, was a significant figure at Princeton University, where he spent over five decades. His contributions to science and education have left a lasting impact.

In 2000, Ostriker was recognized with the National Medal of Science by President Bill Clinton, an honor that highlighted his distinguished career. He joined Princeton's faculty in 1966 and served in a variety of roles, including chairing the Department of Astrophysical Sciences and acting as dean for the Princeton University Observatory. He served as provost from 1995 to 2001, where he played a role in developing Princeton's financial aid program. Ostriker continued his academic career after leaving Princeton, joining Columbia University as a professor.

Michael Strauss, chair of the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton, said, “Jerry Ostriker made important contributions in an astonishingly broad range of areas in astrophysics.” Ostriker's work with colleague P. James Peebles in the 1970s helped shape modern understanding of dark matter halos and galaxies' structure.

Ostriker's strides in cosmology changed perceptions of the universe's composition, including the understanding of dark matter and interstellar mediums. Peebles, Ostriker's collaborator, remarked on Ostriker's broad interests and logical mind. “Jerry's broad interests, his quick logical mind, and his energetic collaborations with students and colleagues resulted in great contributions to the advance of astronomy."

His career was marked by collaborations with international scientists, notably in projects like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which mapped the universe in three dimensions and supported the existence of dark energy. James Gunn, a colleague, said, “Jerry Ostriker was an enormously inventive and astute theoretical astrophysicist who made fundamental contributions across the whole field.”

Family and colleagues recall Ostriker as a dynamic mentor and influential figure. Gunn recalls his friend's wit, “I came up with five different universes just this morning!” Ostriker's legacy continues through his daughter, Eve Ostriker, who also teaches at Princeton. She said, “His character in his prime was irreverent, funny and full of life. He was a consummate doer.”

Many former students and collaborators have expressed their admiration and gratitude for Ostriker's mentorship. Scott Tremaine and Renyue Cen, both former advisees, acknowledge the foundational role he played in their careers. Cen described Ostriker as a “true example of a lifetime pursuit of truth.”

Ostriker's impact extended around the globe, with collaborative ties across continents. Kentaro Nagamine and Ue-Li Pen have shared memories of his mentorship and collaboration. Nagamine recollected Ostriker’s humble nature, “He was always down to earth, warm, supportive, and full of energy.”

Ellen Zweibel of the University of Wisconsin-Madison praised Ostriker's unique ability to make complex concepts understandable and set high standards. Ostriker left behind a family deeply embedded in academia, and remained connected to Princeton throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Alicia Ostriker, their children, and grandchildren. Donations in memory of Jeremiah Ostriker can be made to Friends of Princeton Open Space.