Astrophysics Research at the University of Leicester
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Our research aims to investigate a range of high-priority science topics in these areas:
i. studying high-energy and high-redshift explosive transients and how they relate to gravitational wave events
ii. investigating the growth and evolution of the first stars and black holes in galaxies
iii. determining the properties of accretion disks in active galactic nuclei
iv. measuring the fundamental properties of white dwarf stars, the remnants of stars like the Sun
v. investigating the properties of exoplanets, brown dwarfs and low mass stars
vi. determining the evolution of tidal disruption events in galaxies where stars are torn apart as they come close to a supermassive black
vii. investigating the origin of the stars seen in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy
viii. determining the structure of the Milky Way galaxy
ix. investigating the auroral emission of exoplanets
x. developing the concept of an intensity interferometry system for the Cherenkov Telescope Array to provide high-resolution images of cosmic objects
We will deliver this programme by carrying out observations using a broad range of ground and space based observing facilities, including XMM-Newton, HST, Swift, GAIA, JWST, ALMA, VLT, VISTA, WHT, INT, LT, NGTS, GOTO and Spitzer, and by conducting numerical simulations using major High Performance Computer facilities such as DiRAC.
i. studying high-energy and high-redshift explosive transients and how they relate to gravitational wave events
ii. investigating the growth and evolution of the first stars and black holes in galaxies
iii. determining the properties of accretion disks in active galactic nuclei
iv. measuring the fundamental properties of white dwarf stars, the remnants of stars like the Sun
v. investigating the properties of exoplanets, brown dwarfs and low mass stars
vi. determining the evolution of tidal disruption events in galaxies where stars are torn apart as they come close to a supermassive black
vii. investigating the origin of the stars seen in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy
viii. determining the structure of the Milky Way galaxy
ix. investigating the auroral emission of exoplanets
x. developing the concept of an intensity interferometry system for the Cherenkov Telescope Array to provide high-resolution images of cosmic objects
We will deliver this programme by carrying out observations using a broad range of ground and space based observing facilities, including XMM-Newton, HST, Swift, GAIA, JWST, ALMA, VLT, VISTA, WHT, INT, LT, NGTS, GOTO and Spitzer, and by conducting numerical simulations using major High Performance Computer facilities such as DiRAC.
Planned Impact
The applicants on the grant 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, and is a prime driver behind the £100M 'Space Park Leicester' concept.
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 Research and Enterprise Division, which works with academics and external stakeholders to create maximum impact in the local, 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 and maximised;
(3) to disseminate knowledge, skills and expertise 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.
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 Research and Enterprise Division, which works with academics and external stakeholders to create maximum impact in the local, 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 and maximised;
(3) to disseminate knowledge, skills and expertise 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.
Publications
Heintz K
(2018)
Cold gas in the early Universe Survey for neutral atomic-carbon in GRB host galaxies at 1 < z < 6 from optical afterglow spectroscopy
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Selsing J
(2019)
The X-shooter GRB afterglow legacy sample (XS-GRB)
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Eyles R
(2019)
An unusual transient following the short GRB 071227
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Heintz K
(2019)
New constraints on the physical conditions in H 2 -bearing GRB-host damped Lyman- a absorbers
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Lamb G
(2019)
Reverse shocks in the relativistic outflows of gravitational wave-detected neutron star binary mergers
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Klingler N
(2019)
Swift -XRT Follow-up of Gravitational-wave Triggers in the Second Advanced LIGO/Virgo Observing Run
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Page K
(2019)
X-ray properties of two transient ULX candidates in galaxy NGC 7090
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Abbott BP
(2019)
Constraining the p-Mode-g-Mode Tidal Instability with GW170817.
in Physical review letters
Humphries J
(2019)
Constraining the initial planetary population in the gravitational instability model
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Di Girolamo T
(2019)
Strategies for the Follow-up of Gravitational Wave Transients at Very High-Energy Gamma Rays with the Cherenkov Telescope Array
in Nuclear and Particle Physics Proceedings
Tanvir N
(2019)
The fraction of ionizing radiation from massive stars that escapes to the intergalactic medium
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Izzo L
(2019)
Signatures of a jet cocoon in early spectra of a supernova associated with a ?-ray burst.
in Nature
MAGIC Collaboration
(2019)
Observation of inverse Compton emission from a long ?-ray burst.
in Nature
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
Bolmer J
(2019)
Evidence for diffuse molecular gas and dust in the hearts of gamma-ray burst host galaxies Unveiling the nature of high-redshift damped Lyman- a systems
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Melandri A
(2019)
Unveiling the enigma of ATLAS17aeu
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Alsaberi R
(2019)
Discovery of a pulsar-powered bow shock nebula in the Small Magellanic Cloud supernova remnant DEM S5
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Abdalla H
(2019)
A very-high-energy component deep in the ?-ray burst afterglow.
in Nature
Nayakshin S
(2019)
ALMA observations require slower Core Accretion runaway growth
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Abdalla H
(2019)
The 2014 TeV ?-Ray Flare of Mrk 501 Seen with H.E.S.S.: Temporal and Spectral Constraints on Lorentz Invariance Violation
in The Astrophysical Journal
Wiersema K
(2019)
Chandra and Hubble Space Telescope observations of dark gamma-ray bursts and their host galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Tanvir N
(2019)
Multiwavelength studies of gravitational wave sources: Physics and phenomenology
in Astronomische Nachrichten
Valeev A
(2019)
A multiwavelength analysis of a collection of short-duration GRBs observed between 2012 and 2015
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Wiersema K
(2019)
The case for a high-redshift origin of GRB 100205A
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hands T
(2019)
The fate of planetesimal discs in young open clusters: implications for 1I/'Oumuamua, the Kuiper belt, the Oort cloud, and more
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Evans P
(2019)
Erratum: Swift follow-up of gravitational wave triggers: results from the first aLIGO run and optimisation for the future
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Lamb G
(2019)
Short GRB 160821B: A Reverse Shock, a Refreshed Shock, and a Well-sampled Kilonova
in The Astrophysical Journal
Higgins A
(2019)
SPLOT: a snapshot survey for polarized light in optical transients
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Kangas T
(2020)
The Late-time Afterglow Evolution of Long Gamma-Ray Bursts GRB 160625B and GRB 160509A
in The Astrophysical Journal
Lamb G
(2020)
GRB 170817A as a Refreshed Shock Afterglow Viewed Off-axis
in The Astrophysical Journal
Ajello M
(2020)
Fermi and Swift Observations of GRB 190114C: Tracing the Evolution of High-energy Emission from Prompt to Afterglow
in The Astrophysical Journal
Hands T
(2020)
Capture of interstellar objects: a source of long-period comets
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Mong Y
(2020)
Machine learning for transient recognition in difference imaging with minimum sampling effort
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Semczuk M
(2020)
Tidally induced warps of spiral galaxies in IllustrisTNG
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Neunteufel P
(2020)
Exploring velocity limits in the thermonuclear supernova ejection scenario for hypervelocity stars and the origin of US 708
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Abdalla H
(2020)
Simultaneous observations of the blazar PKS 2155-304 from ultra-violet to TeV energies
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wiersema K
(2020)
Polarimetry of relativistic tidal disruption event Swift J2058+0516
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gompertz B
(2020)
Searching for electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational-wave merger events with the prototype Gravitational-Wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO-4)
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Abdalla H
(2020)
Probing the Magnetic Field in the GW170817 Outflow Using H.E.S.S. Observations
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Nayakshin S.
(2020)
The paradox of youth for ALMA planet candidates
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
De Ugarte Postigo A
(2020)
GRB 190114C in the nuclear region of an interacting galaxy A detailed host analysis using ALMA, the HST, and the VLT
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
H.E.S.S. Collaboration
(2020)
Resolving acceleration to very high energies along the jet of Centaurus A.
in Nature
Ackley K
(2020)
Observational constraints on the optical and near-infrared emission from the neutron star-black hole binary merger candidate S190814bv
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Page K
(2020)
Swift -XRT follow-up of gravitational wave triggers during the third aLIGO/Virgo observing run
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Wijers R
(2020)
LOFAR detectability of prompt low-frequency radio emission during gamma-ray burst X-ray flares
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Cerruti M
(2020)
Very high energy ?-ray emission from two blazars of unknown redshift and upper limits on their distance
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Paterson K
(2020)
Discovery of the Optical Afterglow and Host Galaxy of Short GRB 181123B at z = 1.754: Implications for Delay Time Distributions
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Panic O
(2020)
TW Hya: an old protoplanetary disc revived by its planet
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Description | ENGRAVE |
Organisation | European Southern Observatory (ESO) |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Our Leicester team is part of a large international collaboration to use ESO telescopes and others, for follow-up of the electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events. Tanvir is a member of the governing council of ENGRAVE. |
Collaborator Contribution | The collaboration has over 250 members, who bring diverse expertise. In particular, real time duties are the responsibility of a core group of about 40 people currently. |
Impact | One paper submitted so far. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | STARGATE |
Organisation | European Southern Observatory (ESO) |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Tanvir is PI of a large collaboration whose goal is to obtain optical/nIR follow-up observations of gamma-ray bursts using ESO facilities. |
Collaborator Contribution | The collaboration consists of a (geographically spread) core group who trigger and analyse the rapid target-of-opportunity observations, plus a wider group who contribute to planning, interpretation and analysis for at least some of the specialised sub-projects. (the number of partner institutions in this sense is large and fluid, and they are not individually listed. Similarly the value of the in-kind contributions is not well defined; except for ESO for which the value recorded here is a rough estimate) |
Impact | About 15 papers written to date. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | VINROUGE |
Organisation | European Southern Observatory (ESO) |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Tanvir is PI of a large international collaboration dedicated to using the ESO VISTA telescope for follow-up observations of gravitational wave events. |
Collaborator Contribution | Other partners provide expertise on different aspects of our campaign. |
Impact | Two papers directly; several others enabled by the results. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Astronomical Society (Knowle) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to astronomical society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Cardiff Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Panel discussion |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Interview for BBC series "Universe" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave wide ranging interview for the producers of the 2021 BBC series "Universe" introduced by Brian Cox. Some of the interview featured in the broadcast programme and some material was used to help script the main commentary. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Northants Natural History Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Panel discussion at National Space Centre on one year of JWST observations |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Panel discussion |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Seminar at Goddard Space Flight Centre, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk to scientists and engineers at NASA |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Talk at NewScientist Live event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk at NewScientist Live event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Talk to Bromsgrove Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on reionization of the universe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Talk to Bromsgrove Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on the Big Bang theory |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk to Cambridge University Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk about gravitational waves and gamma-ray bursts |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk to Coventry and Warwickshire Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on using GRBs as probes of the early universe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Talk to Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talking on gravitational waves and gamma-ray bursts to amateur astronomy group: hybrid format, both in person and on-line audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk to Nene Valley Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on the Big Bang |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Talk to Peterborough Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on GRBs as probes of the universe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk to Rugby Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on GRBs as probes of the universe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Talk to Sheffield Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on the Big Bang |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Talk to South East Kent Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk about reionization |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk to Wessex Astronomical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on reionization and GRBs |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |