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
Scowen P
(2017)
Finding the UV-Visible Path Forward: Proceedings of the Community Workshop to Plan the Future of UV/Visible Space Astrophysics
in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
McCormac J
(2017)
The Next Generation Transit Survey-Prototyping Phase
in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Wiersema K
(2018)
Calibration of EFOSC2 Broadband Linear Imaging Polarimetry
in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
Nayakshin S
(2017)
Dawes Review 7: The Tidal Downsizing Hypothesis of Planet Formation
in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
Makrygianni L
(2021)
Processing GOTO survey data with the Rubin Observatory LSST Science Pipelines II: Forced Photometry and lightcurves
in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
Finch N
(2020)
What can ISM and non-photospheric highly ionised lines in white dwarf spectra reveal about the ß CMa tunnel?
in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Jones C
(2016)
DIVISION D COMMISSION 44: SPACE AND HIGH-ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS
in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Joyce S
(2018)
The white dwarf mass-radius relation with Gaia, Hubble and FUSE
in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Abdalla H
(2016)
H.E.S.S. Limits on Linelike Dark Matter Signatures in the 100 GeV to 2 TeV Energy Range Close to the Galactic Center.
in Physical review letters
Sanders J
(2016)
Indirect dark matter detection for flattened dwarf galaxies
in Physical Review D
Abdallah H
(2021)
Search for dark matter annihilation in the Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte dwarf irregular galaxy with H.E.S.S.
in Physical Review D
Tilley F
(2016)
Scanning tunneling microscopy contrast of isovalent impurities on the GaAs (110) surface explained with a geometrical model
in Physical Review B
Finch N
(2018)
Spectral analysis of the binary nucleus of the planetary nebula Hen 2-428 - first results
in Open Astronomy
Covino S
(2017)
The unpolarized macronova associated with the gravitational wave event GW 170817
in Nature Astronomy
Pian E
(2017)
Spectroscopic identification of r-process nucleosynthesis in a double neutron-star merger.
in Nature
LIGO Scientific Collaboration And The Virgo Collaboration
(2017)
A gravitational-wave standard siren measurement of the Hubble constant.
in Nature
Gillon M
(2017)
Seven temperate terrestrial planets around the nearby ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1.
in Nature
King A
(2017)
Pulsing ULXs: tip of the iceberg?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Nealon R
(2015)
Apsidal precession, disc breaking and viscosity in warped discs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Evans P
(2016)
Swift follow-up of the Gravitational Wave source GW150914
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Middleton M
(2017)
Predicting ultraluminous X-ray source demographics from geometrical beaming
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
King A
(2016)
ULXs: Neutron stars versus black holes
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Nayakshin S
(2018)
Sgr A* envelope explosion and the young stars in the centre of the Milky Way
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
King A
(2015)
How big can a black hole grow?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Nayakshin S
(2019)
ALMA observations require slower Core Accretion runaway growth
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
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 | 09/2017 |
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 |