Astronomy and Astrophysics

Our research programme encompasses a broad range of astrophysical phenomena across the universe, which we study with observational, theoretical, and simulation approaches. We host internationally leading groups in the physics of the early universe, relativistic cosmology and large scale structure formation, extrasolar planets, planet formation and dynamics, solar and space plasma physics, and plasma astrophysics.

Our Cosmology and Relativity group studies the evolution of the Universe from the Big Bang to the present day. We model the inflationary period of the Big Bang and make predictions for the distribution of galaxies on the largest scales. We study how different models of dark energy and gravity affect this distribution, which in turn can tell us about the possible nature of quantum gravity.

Our Planetary Formation and Dynamics group studies the Solar System, for example using NASA satellites to investigate the rings of Saturn; hunts for planets around nearby stars, using some of the world’s most sophisticated telescopes to detect the tiny telltale signs of distant worlds, some of which are expected to resemble the Earth itself (though most are very different); and develops theoretical models of how planets form and evolve, complementing the observational studies.

Our Space, Solar and Astrophysical Plasmas group studies the natural plasmas which define the behaviour of many astrophysical objects, undertaking fundamental research in phenomena such as turbulence, magnetic reconnection and collisionless shocks. We are involved with international missions such as ESA's Solar Orbiter and NASA's Parker Solar Probe. The data from these missions, together with computer simulations and theoretical modelling, helps us build a deeper understanding of the plasma universe.

A giant of a moon appears before a giant of a planet undergoing seasonal changes in this natural colour view of Titan and Saturn from NASA's Cassini spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.