Astrophysics Research at the University of Leicester
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
We will deliver world-class research programmes in astrophysics through the exploitation of data from space missions and ground based telescopes, as well as the development of new theories and the numerical simulation of processes in these areas. We will also develop new instrumental techniques and detectors for future missions and telescopes. The research programme is based mainly around two research groups, with some participation by three others. These groups conduct their own research projects but also have a strong ethos of collaboration on topics of mutual interest.
Our research seeks to understand basic processes in our own and other galaxies, addressing questions of great interest to the wider public. We will search for new planets orbiting nearby stars which may mimic the planets that are present in our own solar system or possibly be very different, such as hot Neptunes, or Super Earths.
We will investigate some of the most extreme environments in our Universe by high energy astrophysics research focusing on extreme phenomena ranging from Galactic black hole binaries, through to active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts. These studies will include the feedback processes that link black holes to the evolution of their host galaxies.
We will maintain and enhance a programme in stellar astronomy with emphasis on the astrophysics of white dwarf stars. We will be using high performance computers to simulate these systems theoretically. This in turn will help our observations and vice versa. Through these simulations we will build theories and models of how these extreme systems behave. We will use these simulations to try to understand the `dark' matter which constitutes much of the material
content of the Universe. We will use laboratory experimentation to develop new ways to observe these phenomena, building new instruments for the next generation of space missions.
This work also offers spin-off activities which often drive progress in areas far removed from astrophysics. Our department has an active programme of engagement with the wider community, particularly school age children, who are thrilled to hear about research in the Department. We will maintain a strong commitment to knowledge transfer for academic beneficiaries.
Our research seeks to understand basic processes in our own and other galaxies, addressing questions of great interest to the wider public. We will search for new planets orbiting nearby stars which may mimic the planets that are present in our own solar system or possibly be very different, such as hot Neptunes, or Super Earths.
We will investigate some of the most extreme environments in our Universe by high energy astrophysics research focusing on extreme phenomena ranging from Galactic black hole binaries, through to active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts. These studies will include the feedback processes that link black holes to the evolution of their host galaxies.
We will maintain and enhance a programme in stellar astronomy with emphasis on the astrophysics of white dwarf stars. We will be using high performance computers to simulate these systems theoretically. This in turn will help our observations and vice versa. Through these simulations we will build theories and models of how these extreme systems behave. We will use these simulations to try to understand the `dark' matter which constitutes much of the material
content of the Universe. We will use laboratory experimentation to develop new ways to observe these phenomena, building new instruments for the next generation of space missions.
This work also offers spin-off activities which often drive progress in areas far removed from astrophysics. Our department has an active programme of engagement with the wider community, particularly school age children, who are thrilled to hear about research in the Department. We will maintain a strong commitment to knowledge transfer for academic beneficiaries.
Planned Impact
The applicants offer a diverse skill set that constitute a valuable resource to the private and public sectors. We have extensive experience and expertise in e.g. data analysis and handling, spacecraft and mission management, algorithm design, software engineering and high performance computing. Exploitation of this expertise is supported at all levels within the University. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to
promoting and maximising the impact of our research. The College of Science and Engineering plays a leading role in the Enterprise Agenda for the University and offers dedicated enterprise officers and impact enhancing resources. Further support is provided by the University's Enterprise and Business Development Office, which works with academics and external stakeholders to create maximum impact in the local, provide national, and international community. This structure (i) delivers enterprising impact through the alignment of our research with major global and industrial challenges, (ii) identifies and addresses the opportunities to play a positive role in the economic development of our region and the UK, (iii) utilises research and related activities to develop skills and capability within a broad spectrum of the public and private sectors, (iv) provides expert advice and
guidance to industry and policy makers, (v) ensures that its intellectual property is effectively transferred and disseminated, and (vi) contributes to the wider cultural benefit of society through an enterprising and engaging outreach programme.
The long term impact strategy has four elements:
(1) to support and develop the skills and experience of the applicants;
(2) to ensure that links with public and private sector industries are developed, cultivated and maximised;
(3) to disseminate knowledge, skills and expterise to the benefit of the local, national and international business and civic communities;
(4) to sustain and develop our successful outreach programme with particular emphasis on enhancing our efforts to develop valid outcome measures.
promoting and maximising the impact of our research. The College of Science and Engineering plays a leading role in the Enterprise Agenda for the University and offers dedicated enterprise officers and impact enhancing resources. Further support is provided by the University's Enterprise and Business Development Office, which works with academics and external stakeholders to create maximum impact in the local, provide national, and international community. This structure (i) delivers enterprising impact through the alignment of our research with major global and industrial challenges, (ii) identifies and addresses the opportunities to play a positive role in the economic development of our region and the UK, (iii) utilises research and related activities to develop skills and capability within a broad spectrum of the public and private sectors, (iv) provides expert advice and
guidance to industry and policy makers, (v) ensures that its intellectual property is effectively transferred and disseminated, and (vi) contributes to the wider cultural benefit of society through an enterprising and engaging outreach programme.
The long term impact strategy has four elements:
(1) to support and develop the skills and experience of the applicants;
(2) to ensure that links with public and private sector industries are developed, cultivated and maximised;
(3) to disseminate knowledge, skills and expterise to the benefit of the local, national and international business and civic communities;
(4) to sustain and develop our successful outreach programme with particular emphasis on enhancing our efforts to develop valid outcome measures.
Organisations
Publications
De Ugarte Postigo A
(2018)
The luminous host galaxy, faint supernova and rapid afterglow rebrightening of GRB 100418A
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Heintz K
(2017)
Steep extinction towards GRB 140506A reconciled from host galaxy observations: Evidence that steep reddening laws are local
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Bolmer J
(2018)
Dust reddening and extinction curves toward gamma-ray bursts at z > 4
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Riello M
(2021)
Gaia Early Data Release 3 Photometric content and validation
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Christensen L
(2017)
Solving the conundrum of intervening strong Mg II absorbers towards gamma-ray bursts and quasars
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Stelzer B
(2017)
X-ray orbital modulation of a white dwarf accreting from an L dwarf The system SDSS J121209.31+013627.7
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Reindl N
(2020)
An in-depth reanalysis of the alleged type Ia supernova progenitor Henize 2-428
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Vielfaure J
(2020)
Lyman continuum leakage in faint star-forming galaxies at redshift z = 3-3.5 probed by gamma-ray bursts
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
D'Elia V
(2018)
GRB 171205A/SN 2017iuk: A local low-luminosity gamma-ray burst
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Strotjohann N
(2016)
Highly variable AGN from the XMM-Newton slew survey
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Bianchi L
(2018)
Using GALEX-SDSS-PanSTARRS-HST-Gaia to understand post-AGB evolution
in Astrophysics and Space Science
Drake J.
(2021)
The Normal-incidence Extreme Ultraviolet Photometer (NExtUP)
in Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society
Barstow, Martin
(2019)
White dwarfs as probes of fundamental astrophysics
in Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society
Barstow Martin
(2019)
White dwarfs as probes of fundamental astrophysics
in Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society
Gaensicke, Boris
(2019)
Evolved Planetary Systems around White Dwarfs
in Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society
Reindl N.
(2019)
Recent progress on our understanding of Henize 2-428
in Compact White Dwarf Binaries
Tanvir N
(2021)
Exploration of the high-redshift universe enabled by THESEUS
in Experimental Astronomy
Rosati P
(2021)
Synergies of THESEUS with the large facilities of the 2030s and guest observer opportunities.
in Experimental astronomy
Gómez De Castro A
(2022)
Closing gaps to our origins EUVO: the ultraviolet-visible window into the Universe
in Experimental Astronomy
Nayakshin Sergei
(2019)
ALMA dusty annular structures: significant implications for planet and star formation theories
in From Stars to Planets II - Connecting our understanding of star and planet formation
Roming P
(2018)
Understanding the Death of Massive Stars Using an Astrophysical Transients Observatory
in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
Mandhai S
(2018)
The Rate of Short-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts in the Local Universe
in Galaxies
Reindl N
(2018)
Revealing the True Nature of Hen 2-428
in Galaxies
France K
(2022)
Extreme-ultraviolet Stellar Characterization for Atmospheric Physics and Evolution mission: motivation and overview
in Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems
Baker SH
(2016)
Structure and magnetism in Cr-embedded Co nanoparticles.
in Journal of physics. Condensed matter : an Institute of Physics journal
Preval S
(2017)
Hot DA white dwarf model atmosphere calculations: including improved Ni PI cross-sections
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Starling R
(2017)
Characterization of AGN from the XMM-Newton Slew Survey
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Higgins A
(2019)
Detailed multiwavelength modelling of the dark GRB 140713A and its host galaxy
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Zubovas K
(2016)
The small observed scale of AGN-driven outflows, and inside-out disc quenching
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nayakshin S
(2020)
The paradox of youth for ALMA planet candidates
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Evans P
(2016)
Swift follow-up of gravitational wave triggers: results from the first aLIGO run and optimization for the future
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Dehnen W
(2017)
Symplectic fourth-order maps for the collisional N -body problem
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Lobban A
(2018)
X-ray time lags in PG 1211+143
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Eckersall A
(2017)
Modelling the effect of absorption from the interstellar medium on transient black hole X-ray binaries
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Higgins A
(2017)
Investigating the nature of the INTEGRAL gamma-ray bursts and sub-threshold triggers with Swift follow-up
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nixon C
(2018)
The Maximum Mass Solar Nebula and the early formation of planets
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Wilson D
(2019)
Multiwavelength observations of the EUV variable metal-rich white dwarf GD 394
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Duffy C
(2021)
Evidence that short-period AM CVn systems are diverse in outburst behaviour
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Humphries R
(2018)
Changes in the metallicity of gas giant planets due to pebble accretion
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Angus C
(2016)
A Hubble Space Telescope survey of the host galaxies of Superluminous Supernovae
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Alves D
(2022)
NGTS-21b: an inflated Super-Jupiter orbiting a metal-poor K dwarf
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Pounds K
(2016)
Imprints of a high-velocity wind on the soft X-ray spectrum of PG1211+143
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Bayliss D
(2018)
NGTS-1b: a hot Jupiter transiting an M-dwarf
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
West R
(2020)
NGTS-10b: the shortest period hot Jupiter yet discovered
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
MacLeod C
(2016)
A systematic search for changing-look quasars in SDSS
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Semczuk M
(2022)
The small boxy/peanut structure of the Milky Way traced by old stars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Prentice S. J.
(2018)
Investigating the properties of stripped-envelope supernovae; what are the implications for their progenitors?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Korista K
(2019)
Quantifying the impact of variable BLR diffuse continuum contributions on measured continuum interband delays
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Cashmore C
(2017)
Too small to succeed: the difficulty of sustaining star formation in low-mass haloes
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Lamb G
(2021)
GRB jet structure and the jet break
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Description | Further progress in a variety of fields of astrophysics. |
Exploitation Route | Further research in various areas of astrophysics. |
Sectors | Education |
Description | Royal Society Research Grant |
Amount | £13,055 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RG170230 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2017 |
End | 10/2018 |
Description | Creativity and Curiosity - Art meets astronomy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The project started as a discussion between artists and astronomers to stimulate new art and engage with new audiences. Events have included exhibitions of the artworks and associated discussion events across the county and abroad. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.creativityandcuriosity.com |
Description | US NSF announcement of discovery of first gravitational wave source with electromagnetic counterpart - Oct 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | US National Science Foundation press release. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/page/press-release-gw170817 |
Description | Various school visits, astronomical society lectures |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Many presentations, 100s of students, excellent questions and discussion. Audience figures are totals for activities during each year. Improvements in interest in applying for science degrees |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021 |