Technology

Moonfox Analysis | Revenue Increases for Three Consecutive Quarters: What Is Driving the Revival of Growth in the Global Gaming Market?

Published

4 weeks ago

December 17, 2024

About us: Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) established in 2011, is a leading customer engagement and marketing technology service provider in China. Its business includes notification services, marketing growth, development tools, and data products. As its sub-brand, MoonFox Data is a leading expert in data insights and analysis services across all scenarios, aiming to help companies gain market insights and empower precise decision-making.

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — According to data from the Game Publishing Working Committee, China’s gaming market achieved actual sales revenue of RMB 91.77 billion between July and September 2024, reflecting a year-over-year growth of approximately 9.0%. Of this, the mobile gaming market generated RMB 65.66 billion, showing a 1.2% increase year-over-year. Mobile games continue to play a significant role in the Chinese gaming market, with the launch of new titles like Naraka: Bladepoint and Dungeon & Fighter: Origin providing a notable boost to domestic sales.

At the same time, the global market remains a key focus for Chinese gaming companies in their expansion efforts. As experienced players in global markets, how have the exports of the gaming industry performed? What are the development trends for leading products?

I. Global Market Returns to Growth: Black Myth: Wukong Reaches Global Audiences and Drives Revenue Growth

Actual Sales Revenue of Chinese Self-developed Games in global Markets (Q3 2023 – Q3 2024)

Quarter

Sales Revenue (USD 100 Million)

QoQ Growth Rate (%)

2023 Q3

42.8

2023 Q4

38.8

-9.4 %

2024 Q1

40.8

5.0 %

2024 Q2

44.8

9.9 %

2024 Q3

51.7

15.4 %

Data Source: Game Publishing Working Committee of the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association (hereinafter referred to as “Game Publishing Working Committee”)

Data Cycle: July 2023 – September 2024

In terms of market size, Chinese self-developed games have increasingly influenced global markets, with sales revenue continuing to grow. According to data from the Game Publishing Working Committee, actual sales revenue from Chinese self-developed games in the global market reached USD 5.169 billion in Q3 2024, marking a year-over-year growth of 20.8% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 15.4%. Since the end of 2023, revenue from gaming exports has entered a rapid growth phase.

The heightened growth rate in Q3 2024 was partly driven by the booming gaming console market, with Black Myth: Wukong making a significant impact. It is estimated that within the first month of its release on August 20, 2024, the game sold over 20 million copies and generated more than USD 960 million in revenue, setting a new domestic sales record for AAA games.

In China, Black Myth: Wukong significantly raised public awareness of the product, receiving praise from major media outlets such as People’s Daily and Xinhua News Agency, which highlighted its positive impact on cultural dissemination. From a cultural tourism perspective, the game features over 27 scenic spots in Shanxi, including Qianfo Temple (also known as “Xiaoxitian”), Yungang Grottoes, and Huayan Temple, which spiked interest in travel routes like “Destiny People – Shanxi Tourism.” During Q3, bookings for accommodations in Shanxi’s national-level tourism resorts surged by over 200%, with more than 70% of visitors belonging to the ’80s and ’90s generations.

In the consumer market, on August 16, 2024, Luckin Coffee released a co-branded teaser poster for “Where is the road (deer)?” followed by a product acquisition guide on the 18th. On August 19, the co-branded product “Tengyun Cuisine” was launched. According to MoonFox Data, this product launch significantly increased customer unique visitors (UV), with the UV index surpassing July’s average by about 40% on the same day.

Globally, the success of Black Myth: Wukong allowed many international players to gain a deeper understanding of the Journey to the West IP. Viewership of the 1986 TV series Journey to the West on platforms like YouTube surged, and some players began summarizing the storylines and characters in quick-reference formats of “text + illustration,” enabling others to familiarize themselves with the game’s background in just 30 minutes. Additionally, characters and narratives from Journey to the West began attracting more attention from international players. In the future, more traditional Chinese cultural content could be introduced globally through games and similar media. Black Myth: Wukong has successfully pioneered this path, providing a new reference point for the international expansion of Chinese games.

II. Whiteout Survival Maintains Top Rankings: New Games Continue to Demonstrate Strong Market Performance

While the gaming console market is experiencing accelerated growth, it remains relatively small compared to the overall scale of mobile games, which continue to be the core focus for global gaming exports. In the domestic market, mobile games account for over 70% of the total global sales revenue for self-developed Chinese games, and this share continues to rise year by year. Many new games are steadily increasing their revenue, with gameplay and genre integration emerging as key strategies for customer acquisition in the current mobile game market.

November 2023 – October 2024: Whiteout Survival Top 3 global Revenue Countries

Country

Proportion

Total Revenue

United States

32.31 %

268,746,584

South Korea

13.38 %

111,317,981

Japan

10.04 %

83,501,136

Data Source: MoonFox iApp;

Data Cycle: November 2023 – October 2024

Whiteout Survival consistently ranks at the top for revenue growth. According to MoonFox Data, by October 2024, the game reached 7.064 million downloads, reflecting a month-over-month increase of 9.3%. During the same period, its revenue exceeded USD 108 million, with a month-over-month growth of 8.9%. As a simulation game (SLG), Whiteout Survival leverages China’s strengths in the genre. The game builds on traditional 4X heavy strategy gameplay while incorporating lighter mechanics, such as idle and simulation-based elements.

In terms of user acquisition strategy, Whiteout Survival has selected Facebook as its primary platform, utilizing its snow-themed content for marketing. This rich experience in user acquisition has further propelled the game’s growth, boosting both revenue and downloads.

Regarding market share, the United States is the game’s largest market, accounting for nearly 30% of its revenue. Excluding mainland China, Japan and South Korea are the second and third-largest markets, each contributing around 10%. Due to the high average revenue per user (ARPU) in the U.S., it remains a primary target market for mid-to-heavy games. While South Korea and Japan also have high user willingness to pay, their market players tend to have clearer genre preferences, resulting in relatively smaller shares.

Looking ahead, Whiteout Survival is expected to expand further into markets such as Saudi Arabia, Germany, and other regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, driving additional user growth.

November 2023 – October 2024: PUBG Mobile Top 3 global Revenue Countries

Country

Proportion

Total Revenue

United States

7.38 %

81,619,206

Saudi Arabia

2.57 %

28,435,212

Japan

2.05 %

22,637,083

Data Source: MoonFox iApp;

Data Cycle: November 2023 – October 2024

PUBG Mobile has recently experienced slower monthly revenue growth but remains among the top three global games. According to MoonFox Data, by October 2024, the game reached 6.85 million downloads, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 5.3%. During the same period, its revenue reached USD 89.34 million, marking a year-over-year growth of 4.7%. As an older title, PUBG Mobile now faces challenges in generating large-scale revenue growth in mature markets. The game has fully developed major population markets like Indonesia and Turkey, and its current download volumes are maintained in the 400K to 600K range. As the market matures, revenue and download growth for top games are expected to slow further. To drive continued revenue growth, battle royale and FPS games will need innovative gameplay or IP collaborations.

Additionally, several new games have entered the Top 30 rankings, with some experiencing exponential revenue growth. For example, Fishing Master, developed by Ark Game, launched internationally in August and achieved nearly USD 5 million in revenue by October. Taiwan, Japan, and the United States were the major contributors to its revenue, with the U.S. market accounting for nearly 30% of total downloads. Given its revenue situation, the game has not yet achieved significant promotion or user monetization in the U.S., indicating potential for further growth in this market.

In general, new games continue to drive steady growth in China’s gaming exports, and the global market remains vast, with regions like Latin America and the Middle East/North Africa offering significant development opportunities. However, the gaming industry faces challenges such as gameplay stagnation, fixed genre models, and homogeneous user acquisition strategies. Players’ online time is increasingly being diverted by other forms of entertainment, with platforms like TikTok and Kwai emerging as major competitors for gaming products.

In light of these challenges, innovation in gameplay and presentation is crucial. Game companies should focus on emerging areas such as mini-games, cloud gaming, and Web3-based blockchain games, as these trends hold significant potential for driving the next wave of growth in the gaming industry.

Our Information:

Website: https://www.moonfox.cn/
Contact number: 400-888-0936

Name: Felix
Title: Director of Sales, Industry Insight Division
Tel: +86 -13366276383
Email: zhouzt@jiguang.cn
Address: 608/F, Tower B, Wintrust Center, No. 1 Xidawang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Name: Janette Zhou
Title: Marketing Manager
Tel: +86-13928239332
Email: zhouxt@jiguang.cn
Address: 608/F, Tower B, Wintrust Center, No. 1 Xidawang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

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SOURCE Aurora Mobile Ltd

Technology

CES 2025: The Global Stage for Innovation, Connecting the World, Creating the Future

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Where Technology Meets Humanity to Create Extraordinary Possibilities

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CES® 2025, the most powerful tech event in the world, welcomed over 141,000 attendees from around the globe. With more than 4500 exhibitors, including 1400 startups, and more than 6000 media attendees, CES highlights the innovation and technology trends addressing global challenges and shaping the future.

“CES is where innovation comes to life,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, owner and producer of CES. “From the largest companies to trailblazing startups, the entire tech ecosystem is at the show. CES is the stage for groundbreaking product launches, transformative partnerships, and serendipitous business moments that define the future of technology.”

CES 2025 by the Numbers*

4500+ exhibitors, including 1400 startups141,000+ attendees, of which 40% were international from over 150 countries, regions, and territories6000+ global media, content creators, and industry analystsOver 60% of Fortune 500 companies300+ conference sessions with 1200+ speakers27,000+ news stories and content

*pre-audit figures

“From groundbreaking innovations that improve lives to transformative ideas that redefine industries, CES is a celebration of the art of the possible, showcasing how technology enriches our world and inspires a brighter future for all,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. “The evolution of CES has surged at this year’s show, where creativity, connectivity, and innovation inspire with visionary keynotes, thought-provoking conference sessions, and mind-blowing exhibits.”

As one of the most transparent trade shows, CES adheres to rigorous auditing standards established by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. To maintain the integrity of its reports, CES engages independent auditors, fostering trust among stakeholders.

“CES reaffirms its status as the largest audited annual business event,” said Fabrizio. “We look forward to releasing third-party confirmation in the spring, because at CTA we believe auditing is not just a nice-to-have, but the gold standard for global business events.”

Catch all the highlights and announcements from CES 2025 – including all conference programming—via CES YouTube and the CES Tech Talk Podcast. Watch the CES 2025 State of the Industry Address here.

CES 2025 Highlights

Artificial Intelligence – CES 2025 connected the dots between humanity and AI through powerful exhibits and programming. From AI-driven productivity tools to breakthroughs in medical advancements, products and services on the show floor demonstrated that artificial intelligence is not just a technology trend but a transformative force improving lives worldwide.
Exhibitors included: AMD, Hisense, LG, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Samsung, Siemens, TCL

Digital Health – This year, CES 2025 saw tremendous energy at the Venetian where attendees witnessed the category’s seamless alignment with the smart living experience. CES has cemented itself as a premier convenor for the healthcare industry, bringing together trailblazers to explore biotechnology, telehealth, and wellness advancements that enhance patient care and longevity. Attendees celebrated the vibrant and dynamic environment that underscored how technology is transforming everyday life, particularly in health and wellness.
Exhibitors & Sponsors included: AARP, Abbott, Eyebot, FlowBeams, Lumia Health, OnMed, Panasonic, ResMed, Withings

Energy Transition – With the growth of high-power demand technologies like AI, cloud, and other data center innovations, the energy transition to zero carbon sources was a significant focus at CES 2025. Experimental energy solutions including battery and energy storage technologies, emerging energy sources like green hydrogen, and small modular nuclear reactors were highlights on the show floor.
Exhibitors included: Eaton, Jackery, Otrera, SK, Sony Honda Mobility

Mobility – Mobility innovation spanned construction, agriculture, marine tech, and advanced air travel. At CES 2025, self-driving and electric technologies enhanced planes and boats, and EV market growth brought new models from global OEMs to the show. Automation in construction and industry enhanced safety and addressed workforce gaps in labor-intensive roles.
Exhibitors included: Aptera Motors, BMW, Bosch, Brunswick, Caterpillar, Daedong, Garmin, Honda, Invo Station, John Deere, Kubota, Mobileye, Oshkosh, Scout Motors, Sumitomo Rubber, Scout Motors, Suzuki, Waymo, Xpeng AeroHT, Zeekr

Quantum – CES 2025 featured the latest innovations in quantum technologies, offering a glimpse into the future. Quantum technology uses properties of quantum mechanics to enable three distinct disciplines: improved networking, computing, and sensing. Innovations at the show demonstrated how quantum computing, working alongside AI, will allow for breakthroughs in research and computing for finance, chemistry, materials, logistics, and more.
Exhibitors included: Integrated Quantum Photonic, IonQ, QSIMPLUS, Quandela, SK

Sustainability – Sustainability is a crucial trend shaping technology innovation, especially in the context of energy transition. CES featured key advancements including new battery technologies, alternative material development like graphene, and off-grid renewable energy solutions. The show also put a spotlight on innovations such as synthetic microbes, bioplastics, and self-healing concrete that will contribute to sustainable construction.
Exhibitors included: Hydrific, Lyten, Melliens, Panasonic

Startups – Eureka Park was completely full, with 1400 startups from 39 countries including country pavilions representing Africa, European Union (EU), France, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Eureka Park is where innovators, investors, and the media meet to highlight and get hands-on with the technologies that will shape our collective future in core areas including accessibility, AI, digital health, and sustainability.

Keynotes

NVIDIA
NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang on Monday drew 6300 attendees to unveil the GeForce RTX 50, surpassing the RTX 4090 in performance, and introduced Agentic AI, a real-time assistant to streamline consumer workflows. Huang also showcased the Cosmos World Foundation Model and generative AI tools to advance robotics navigation. Highlighting AI-driven innovation, Huang announced a partnership with Toyota to develop next-gen autonomous vehicles using the safety-certified NVIDIA DriveOS.

Panasonic Holdings Corporation
Panasonic Holdings Group CEO Yuki Kusumi shared Panasonic Group’s vision for sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the health of future generations. DJ and record producer Steve Aoki jump-started the keynote with a performance before Mr. Kusumi, joined on stage by Marvel actor Anthony Mackie and other Panasonic Group leaders, delivered Panasonic’s “Well Into the Future” message. As an extension of the current Panasonic Well portfolio, Panasonic announced Umi, a holistic digital family wellness platform and coach.

SiriusXM
Jennifer Witz, CEO, SiriusXM, joined Ashley Flowers, #1 female podcaster in the U.S. and host of the hit podcast Crime Junkie, on the C Space stage to deliver a keynote on the intersection of technology, creativity, and storytelling in audio. The conversation covered the importance of authenticity, how AI is changing the creative landscape, and adapting consumer interests.

X Corp.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO, X Corp., spoke with award-winning journalist Catherine Herridge about how the company is defining the future of digital communication. The conversation focused on X’s transformational work to create a “global newsroom in your pocket.” Yaccarino highlighted the significance of Meta’s announcement that the company will follow X’s lead in adopting a community notes approach to content moderation.

Delta Air Lines at Sphere
The first keynote at Sphere in CES history wowed over 8000 attendees! The immersive experience spotlighted Delta Air Lines’ innovations in seamless travel, onboard experiences, and the future of flight. Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines, announced Delta Concierge and partnerships with Airbus, DraftKings, Joby, Uber, and YouTube. Special guests included actress Viola Davis, football legend Tom Brady, and GRAMMY-winning icon Lenny Kravitz.

Volvo Group
Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to building a safer, more sustainable, and more productive future. He called on policymakers and industry leaders to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and discussed the company’s partnership with Aurora, aimed at advancing the development of safer, self-driving vehicles.

Accenture
Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture, discussed how data, AI, and new ways of working are transforming industries and addressing global challenges with Julia Boorstin, CNBC senior media & tech correspondent. Sweet emphasized the need for businesses to build trust in AI technologies, especially as AI becomes increasingly autonomous in a society where trust is scarce. She also highlighted Accenture’s 25th annual Tech Vision, which explores the paths leaders can take when AI is ubiquitous.

Waymo
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO, Waymo, spoke with Bloomberg Technology’s Ed Ludlow on the company’s progress in developing its self-driving technology, Waymo Driver. Mawakana emphasized safety and expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service to new cities while showcasing advancements in technology and outlining a vision for a safer and more accessible future.

Conference Programming
CES 2025 offered more than 300 conference sessions, exploring how tech solves some of the world’s greatest challenges.

C Space – C Space at ARIA brought together thousands of senior-level marketing professionals to explore the intersection of technology, media, and branding. Attendees heard from leading industry innovators from brands like Reddit, NBCUniversal, and Microsoft Advertising about how technology is shaping the future of storytelling, consumer engagement, and brand strategy. C Space sessions emphasized the importance of creativity and authenticity in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.CES Creator Space – The first-ever CES Creator Space, presented by Sony, gathered storytellers to network, create content, and relax in between visiting exhibitors. Sessions led by industry experts helped creators elevate their craft, featuring discussions on storytelling, content monetization, brand partnerships, rights and ownership, and more.Digital Health Summit brought together the entire health ecosystem to learn, network, and explore the role technology plays in advancing and reforming medicine, healthcare, and consumer wellness.Great Minds series explored the intersection of technology and humanity. Speakers included C-Suite executives, philanthropists, influencers, government leaders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and more.Innovation for All Track included dedicated programming focused on ensuring all voices are represented in technology and innovation, bringing together thought leaders for a series of engagement opportunities, dynamic session content, and networking events.Innovation Policy Summit advanced CTA’s Innovation Agenda. CES brought together policymakers and government guests from around the world to discuss domestic and global tech policy issues including AI, privacy, trade, competition, and more. Conference sessions featured high-level government speakers from the White House, Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and more.Mobility Stage made its debut in West Hall, exploring the future of mobility tech on the CES show floor. Topics included AI, connected vehicles, software, supply chain, and more.Quantum Means Business, a multi-session conference track developed with Quantum World Congress, gathered some of the brightest quantum minds, showcasing breakthroughs that were once confined to science fiction. Industry leaders from IBM, Microsoft, and beyond shared insights into how quantum, paired with advancements in AI and machine learning, creates unparalleled opportunities across industries.Startup Stage in Eureka Park brought together visionaries to discuss AI, health, startup funding, and more.

Celebrities at CES
Celebrity brand ambassadors like Alexis Ohanian, Denim Richards, Karlie Kloss, Maria Shriver, Mark Cuban, Martha Stewart, Meghan Trainor, Sophia Bush, Stevie Wonder, Terry Crews, Tim Meadows, Tunde Oyeneyin, and will.i.am attended the show. Read more about CES 2025 celebrity guest participation here.

Visit CES or the CES App, sponsored by Panasonic, for keynotes, sessions, and product announcements. View the high-res image gallery and download B-roll. Check out news from this week with CTA press releases including CTA’s U.S. Consumer Technology One-Year Industry Forecast, CES 2025 Green Grants, CTA 2025 Global Innovation Scorecard, CES 2025 Open, and a new investment in Quantum Word Congress.

We’ll DIVE IN again as CES returns to Las Vegas January 6-9, 2026.

About CES®:
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

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SOURCE Consumer Technology Association

Technology

KNEX Technology CTO Gustavo Gonzalez Elected 2025 President-Elect of OATUG

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Gustavo Gonzalez, KNEX Technology’s CTO, has been elected 2025 President-Elect of OATUG, emphasizing his dedication to Oracle innovation, collaboration, and leadership, including Ascend 2025’s strategic initiatives.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — KNEX Technology, a leading Oracle Cloud solutions provider, is proud to announce that its Chief Technology Officer, Gustavo Gonzalez, has been elected as the 2025 President-Elect of the Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group (OATUG). This esteemed appointment highlights Gonzalez’s longstanding commitment to advancing innovation and collaboration within the Oracle community.

OATUG has played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and it is a privilege to contribute to this community which has enriched my career. As President-Elect, I look forward to collaborating with my peers to strengthen the Oracle user community and further its impact on businesses worldwide.

In his new role, Gonzalez will work closely with the OATUG leadership team throughout 2025, preparing to serve as OATUG President in 2026. He will focus on empowering Oracle professionals worldwide by fostering knowledge-sharing, community engagement, and professional development. OATUG, a globally recognized organization, supports its members in overcoming challenges, enhancing the value of Oracle solutions, and driving organizational success.

“OATUG has played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and it is a privilege to contribute to this community which has enriched my career,” said Gustavo Gonzalez. “As President-Elect, I look forward to collaborating with my peers to strengthen the Oracle user community and further its impact on businesses worldwide.”

Gonzalez’s election underscores his dedication to giving back to the Oracle ecosystem. A key focus of his role will include shaping OATUG’s strategic initiatives, such as the annual Ascend Conference, which unites Oracle users, thought leaders, and technology innovators for unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

The upcoming Ascend 2025 Conference, scheduled for June 8–11 in Orlando, Florida, promises to build on the success of the 2024 event, which attracted more than 1,800 attendees. With early bird registration now open, Gonzalez aims to ensure the conference continues to deliver transformative insights and experiences for the Oracle community.

About OATUG

The Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group (OATUG) is the premier global organization for Oracle users, providing year-round education, networking, and advocacy. OATUG empowers its members to unlock the full potential of Oracle solutions, fostering innovation and collaboration across industries.

About KNEX Technology

KNEX Technology is a trusted leader in Oracle Cloud solutions, delivering cutting-edge products and services to help businesses achieve their objectives. Through its innovative approach and customer-focused strategies, KNEX enables organizations to navigate the complexities of today’s technology landscape. For more information, visit www.knextech.com.

Media Contact

Husna Gyasi, KNEX Technology, 1 (949) 232-0786, husna.ghayaisi@knextech.com, https://knextech.com/

Twitter, LinkedIn

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SOURCE KNEX Technology

Technology

Dr. Gerard van Belle Appointed Director of Science at Lowell Observatory, Charting a Bold Future for Research

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Dr. van Belle to guide scientific exploration and foster innovation in the next era of astronomical research

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lowell Observatory is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gerard van Belle as the new Director of Science. Van Belle, who has been an astronomer at the observatory since 2011, has been serving as the interim Director of Science.

In his new role, van Belle will lead a diverse team of astronomers and planetary scientists. He will spearhead the observatory’s new Science Vision, which focuses on advancing research capabilities and implementing cutting-edge technological improvements supporting Lowell’s leadership in astronomical research.

Under his leadership, the science department will continue to advance Lowell Observatory’s mission to pursue the study of astronomy, including the study of our solar system and its evolution, and to conduct pure research in astrophysical phenomena.

Van Belle’s own research focuses on fundamental stellar parameters, including the sizes, shapes, masses, distances, and temperatures of various types of stars. He is also renowned for his expertise in optical and near-infrared astronomical interferometry.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Whitman College in 1990, followed by a master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1993, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wyoming in 1996.

Throughout his career, van Belle has been instrumental in the development and commissioning of major optical interferometers worldwide, including the Palomar Testbed Interferometer, the Keck Interferometer, and the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. His pioneering work in stellar surface imaging earned him the inaugural Edward Stone Award for Outstanding Research Publication at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2002.

In 2011, van Belle joined Lowell Observatory’s science staff, where he applied high-resolution astronomical techniques to detect nearby exoplanets and map stellar surfaces. He served as the Director of the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in Flagstaff, Arizona, from 2017 to 2018, and subsequently as its Chief Scientist until 2022.

Notably, van Belle was among the astronomers who voted against the definition of ‘planet’ advanced during the 2006 International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference in Prague, which relegated Pluto to being a ‘dwarf planet’ (which according to the IAU resolution is not a planet).

His extensive experience and dedication to advancing astronomical research make him a valuable leader for Lowell Observatory’s scientific endeavors.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Lowell Observatory,” said van Belle. “Our Science Vision will guide us in exploring new frontiers in astronomy while strengthening our commitment to public engagement and education.”

Executive Director Dr. Amanda Bosh expressed her confidence in van Belle’s leadership: “Gerard’s extensive experience and dedication to our mission make him the ideal person to lead our scientific endeavors. I look forward to working closely with him as we embark on this exciting new chapter for Lowell Observatory.”

For more information about Lowell Observatory’s research and public programs, visit lowell.edu.

About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell’s astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.

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SOURCE Lowell Observatory