The cosmic stellar birth rate can be measured by standard astronomical techniques. It can also be probed via the cosmic stellar death rate, though until recently, this was much less precise. However, recent results based on measured supernova rates, and importantly, also on the attendant diffuse fluxes of neutrinos and gamma rays, have become competitive, and a concordant history of stellar birth and death is emerging. These new probes of the star formation history will also provide unique constraints on the physics of core-collapse and type Ia supernovae.

ANL Physics Division Colloquium Schedule