kiC

KIC is an acronym that can refer to several different organizations or catalogs, depending on the context. The two most widely used meanings occur in astronomy and finance.

In astronomy, the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC) is a catalog of stars compiled to support NASA's Kepler Mission. It was created to identify target stars within the Kepler field of view and to provide estimated stellar parameters for those stars. The catalog includes information such as approximate effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and interstellar extinction for around 13 million stars. The KIC was instrumental in prioritizing observations for planet-hunting campaigns and in characterizing host stars, though newer catalogs have since superseded parts of its data.

In finance, Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) is South Korea’s sovereign wealth fund. Established in 2005, it manages a global investment portfolio across asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and alternatives. The goal is to maximize long-term, risk-adjusted returns for the state, with governance and oversight by the government. The organization operates internationally, engaging in diverse investment strategies to contribute to Korea’s financial stability and growth.

Because KIC has multiple, unrelated uses, the intended meaning is typically clear from the field or organizational context. In astronomy it refers to the Kepler Input Catalog, while in finance it denotes the Korea Investment Corporation.