Discovering how the universe works
Few thingsÌýin the universe hold a unique fascination like space, stars, and the creation of the elements.ÌýHumans have long gazed towards the sky, searching for meaning and order to the universe around them. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. It is the study and observation of celestial objects and phenomena, like stars, planetsÌýand the Milky Way Galaxy, that lieÌýbeyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Astrophysics is concerned not only with the observation of our galaxy but alsoÌýhow the universe originated and how it has evolved (cosmology). Astrophysicists applyÌýthe physical laws ofÌýmicrophysical processes to explainÌýastronomical events. These laws determineÌýthe lifecycle of stars, planetsÌýand galaxies in the universe as well as how the universe has changed with time.
Associated schools, institutes & centres
Impact
Our astronomical research focuses on the numerical simulation of binary star mergers, supernova explosions, and nucleosynthesis.ÌýStars are the building blocks of the galaxy. These luminous balls of light helped explorers navigate the seas and now help modern-day scientists understandÌýthe universe. When a dying star explodes, it ejects its mass and heavy elements into the surrounding space. Everything on Earth, including life, is composed of the chemical elements produced in stars and supernovaÌýexplosions, which is what makes astrophysics research important.Ìý
We perform theoretical and observational research using Big Data methodologies to understand: Ìý
- how stars explode as supernovaeÌý
- the origin of the elementsÌý
- gravitational wave sources in the galaxyÌý
- interacting binary star systems (binary star evolution).Ìý