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 transients and the relation of transients to gravitational wave events
ii. investigating the growth and evolution of the first stars and black holes in galaxies
iii. determining the properties of powerful active galactic nuclei including the Broad Line Region
iv. measuring the fundamental properties of white dwarf stars
v. investigating the properties of exoplanets, brown dwarfs and low mass stars
vi. investigating accretion processes
vii exploring the formation of planets
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, WHT, INT, LT, NGTS, GOTO and SAAO, and by conducting numerical simulations using major High Performance Computer facilities such as DiRAC.
i. studying high-energy and high-redshift transients and the relation of transients to gravitational wave events
ii. investigating the growth and evolution of the first stars and black holes in galaxies
iii. determining the properties of powerful active galactic nuclei including the Broad Line Region
iv. measuring the fundamental properties of white dwarf stars
v. investigating the properties of exoplanets, brown dwarfs and low mass stars
vi. investigating accretion processes
vii exploring the formation of planets
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, WHT, INT, LT, NGTS, GOTO and SAAO, and by conducting numerical simulations using major High Performance Computer facilities such as DiRAC.
Organisations
Publications
Eyles-Ferris R
(2022)
Extragalactic transient candidates in the second Swift -XRT point source catalogue
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Coughlin E
(2022)
A simple and accurate prescription for the tidal disruption radius of a star and the peak accretion rate in tidal disruption events
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Piro L
(2022)
Athena synergies in the multi-messenger and transient universe
in Experimental Astronomy
Elbakyan V
(2022)
Gap opening by planets in discs with magnetized winds
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Dyer M
(2022)
The Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO)
Coughlin E
(2022)
On the Impact of Relativistic Gravity on the Rate of Tidal Disruption Events
in The Astrophysical Journal
Williams M
(2023)
GRB 221009A: Discovery of an Exceptionally Rare Nearby and Energetic Gamma-Ray Burst
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Acharyya A
(2023)
Multiwavelength Observations of the Blazar PKS 0735+178 in Spatial and Temporal Coincidence with an Astrophysical Neutrino Candidate IceCube-211208A
in The Astrophysical Journal
Cufari M
(2023)
Tidal capture of stars by supermassive black holes: implications for periodic nuclear transients and quasi-periodic eruptions
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters