A consolidated grant for Sheffield Astrophysics 2021-2024

Lead Research Organisation: University of Sheffield
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

The aim of this proposal is to support a programme of internationally excellent research in astrophysics at Sheffield, building on our recent research achievements, and tied to the exploitation of leading international facilities supported by STFC and UKSA.

Planned Impact

The main ways in which our research makes an impact outside the academic community is via our knowledge exchange and outreach activities. To summarise:

1. Knowledge exchange. This is primarily based on the building of the ULTRACAM and HiPERCAM instruments, which has led to the development of new CCD detectors, data acquisition and cooling systems, as well as stimulating a project to develop new additive manufacturing techniques in metal to build complex, rigid, lightweight components for astronomical instruments.

2. Outreach. The Sheffield astrophysics group give regular talks to schools and general audiences. We also give regular in-house masterclasses and workshops to school students and teachers. Over the last five years, members of the group have delivered more than 112 such talks/events, and been involved in 19 press releases, all based on their research activities.

Details are given in our attached Pathways to Impact document.

Publications

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Sahman D (2022) Searching for nova shells around cataclysmic variables - II. A second campaign in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

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Shahbaz T (2023) A rapid optical and X-ray timing study of the neutron star X-ray binary Swift J1858.6-0814 in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

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Stringer J (2021) Optical photometry of two transitional millisecond pulsars in the radio pulsar state in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

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Sun N (2022) A hot and luminous source at the site of the fast transient AT2018cow at 2-3 yr after its explosion in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters