The theme is active in several research areas, specialising in cosmology, the formation of clusters and galaxies, active galaxies, high-energy astrophysical processes and the formation of extrasolar planets. Observational work in the theme uses large ground-based and satellite telescopes from the radio to the X-ray bands, whilst our theoretical work is tied closely to the interpretation of these data. Kent has a rich legacy in astrophysics and planetary science since the University opened in the 1960s. With the arrival of Professor Nigel Mason we will be expanding our portfolio to include astrochemistry and astrobiology. Modern cosmology and astrophysics are also driven by technological advances which enable us to see ever further out into the Universe and with greater detail and precision. By looking deeper into the Universe we can test the laws of physics in regimes not accessible in experiments on Earth. Astrophysicists have found evidence for black holes, dark matter and dark energy in the Universe that will shape future scientific advances.

Our research programme includes observational and theoretical studies covering the whole of modern astrophysics, from the discovery of planets orbiting other stars, to the origin of the universe in the Big Bang. We are also world leaders in radio astronomy related technology development for ground and space-based instruments. Our observational research programmes include the study of transient phenomena, the formation and evolution of galaxies, studies of variable stars and supernovae, and the search for extrasolar planets. The School is involved in multiple cutting-edge international observational projects including Swift, NGTS, GOTO, JWST, CTA, XMM-Newton, SVOM, Astrosat, SMILE and Athena. Exoplanets is one of the most rapidly developing fields of astrophysics and Oxford is one of the largest exoplanet research hubs in Europe. This in turn complements our instrumentation development of HARMONI and EPICS for the ELT.

Dark Energy Survey provides unprecedented detail on the expansion of the universe

More generally, astronomy studies everything that originates beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Since the late 19th century, astronomy has expanded to include astrophysics, the application of physical and chemical knowledge to an understanding of the nature of celestial objects and the physical processes that control their formation, evolution, and emission of radiation. In addition, the gases and dust particles around and between the stars have become the subjects of much research. Study of the nuclear reactions that provide the energy radiated by stars has shown how the diversity of atoms found in nature can be derived from a universe that, following the first few minutes of its existence, consisted only of hydrogen, helium, and a trace of lithium. Concerned with phenomena on the largest scale is cosmology, the study of the evolution of the universe. Astrophysics has transformed cosmology from a purely speculative activity to a modern science capable of predictions that can be tested. Because astrophysics is a very broad subject, astrophysicists typically apply many disciplines of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics.

The Appeal Of Astrophysics Research

This article by the Royal Society provides a detailed overview of the evolution of astronomy in the post-war era. To learn more about the early days of the telescope and the role of Galileo Galileo in shaping modern astronomy, check this article by the Library of Congress. Observational astronomy is focused on acquiring data from observations of astronomical objects. Theoretical astronomy is oriented toward the development of computer or analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. Theoretical astronomy seeks to explain observational results and observations are used to confirm theoretical results.

5 Important Elements For Astrophysics Research

Our astrophysics research covers different areas, from the smallest scales of stars, binaries and planets to the largest scales of galaxies, clusters, dark matter and dark energy. We exploit ground and space-based technology to collect cosmic signals from distant objects and use this information to studygalaxy dynamics, star formation, accretion of matter and the roles of black holes and cosmic magnetic fields. The group carries out research into a wide range of topics involving astrophysical fluid dynamics and nonlinear dynamics. Specific astrophysical interests include the dynamics of astrophysical discs, planetary formation and evolution, extrasolar planetary systems and stellar magnetohydrodynamics (particularly dynamo theory, magnetoconvection and the physics of sunspots). One of the most fascinating questions in modern day Astronomy is how stars and their planetary systems form. In the last couple of decades a large number of exoplanets have been discovered around distant stars, providing important clues about the planet formation process. The proposed project will research estimates for the magnetic reconnection rate by examining the evolution of post-solar flare loops throughout the solar cycle.

Dr Carolin Villforth and scientists across the EU have developed a planetarium show that explains the mystery of supermassive black holes to general audiences. Jodrell Bank also hosts the international headquarters of the Square Dr James Geach Kilometre Array which, when built, will be the world’s largest telescope. All in all, it makes for an interesting and exciting work life, with never a dull moment. Since research is so international, much of the above will be done in other countries and you have to travel around the world to collaborate with the top people in your field and present your work at international conferences. Travelling for a few months each year is not unusual, and the big telescopes are in fun places like Hawaii and Chile. Teaching restricts that flexibility somewhat, but it’s a rewarding part of the job as well.

Look for examples of these in the topmost spiral arm that wraps above the larger galaxy and points to the left. Other bright regions in the galaxies are mini starbursts—locations where many stars form in quick succession. Additionally, the top and bottom “eyelid” of IC 2163, the smaller galaxy on the left, is filled with newer star formation and burns brightly. Optical astronomy is the study of celestial objects using telescopes that observe visible light. Infrared light can be detected outside of the Earth’s atmosphere, so by space-based observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Many of the objects we study are dynamic and can change within minutes, seconds and even milli-seconds. We specialise in the high-speed data acquisition and analysis techniques needed to track them. We are also heavily involved in the development of space missions including two of ESA’s Exoplanet missions – PLATO (launch December 2026) and CHEOPS and the NASA mid-ex UVEX mission. Atomic physics plays a key role in astrophysics as astronomers’ only information about a particular object comes through the light that it emits, and this light arises through atomic transitions. The main astronomical body that we study is the Sun and, in particular, the hot atmosphere of the Sun called the corona.

By analysing the change in the structure as the post-flare progresses, the fundamental reconnection rate for this dynamic plasma environment can be calculated and compared with theoretical modelling. The work will involve the analysis of appropriate space-based observations (eg. NASA Solar Dynamic Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly) alongside established catalogues of solar flare data to determine target flare candidates. The project will likely include collaborative discussions with partners at NASA Goddard and NASA Marshall Space Flight Centers. You will use data from world-class facilities and space missions, such as GAIA, LSST Vera Rubin Observatory, TESS and Solar Orbiter. You will have access to world-class simulations and computing facilities to model phenomena ranging from galaxy evolution, to planet formation and space weather. Our research includes star formation in our own and other galaxies, the astrophysics of gas and dust in nebular and circumstellar environments and studies of the properties of massive and evolved stars. Ratios of element abundances observed in the spectra of galaxies are sensitive to the duration of star formation in the histories of those galaxies.

Senior (or advanced) researchers and university lecturers earn up to £60,000 a year. With a long-standing tradition of Astrophysics research, the Jeremiah Horrock Institute (JHI) has strong links with major international collaborations, and benefits from the High Performance Computing cluster, the Alston Observatory and various other specialised facilities. Some other possible projects are outlined below, but this list is not exhaustive, if you have an area of astrophysical research that interests you we can work to define a research question for you to examine. Supported by your supervisor and peers, you will take your research project from the planning stage through the analysis phase all the way to completion, answering a topical scientific question. You will acquire new skills in scientific analysis as well as project management skills, in great demand from employers.

Our goal is to solve key problems in modern astrophysics by fostering an environment of the highest quality research and learning. Using a variety of observatories we study the small to the vast – including pulsars, active galactic nuclei, galaxies and cosmology. To find out more about the Group and our research, as well as opportunities to join us through postgraduate studentships or research fellowships, please use the links on the left. We use physics to advance our understanding of the universe and develop technological breakthroughs, with our outstanding teaching programmes and inclusive environment inspiring future generations. For many astrophysicists the travel and international collaborations represents a fantastic opportunity to see the world.