Astrophysics

Astrophysics : Group Website : Staff

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The AMI Large Array

The Cavendish Astrophysics Group carries out a wide range of research programmes centred on four major areas each linked to experimental and instrumental programmes.  The areas and the associated facilities are:

The Formation of Stars and Planets

• The Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA)
• James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT)

Observational Cosmology of the Microwave Background Radiation

• The Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI)
• The ESA Planck Surveyor Satellite

The Formation and Evolution of Galaxies

• The Low Frequency Array (LOFAR)
• The Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

High Resolution Imaging of Stellar Systems and Active Galactic Nuclei

• The Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO)

The Planck Explorer Satellite

These activities are supported by theoretical studies into fundamental physics applications in Relativity and Cosmology and modelling and simulation of astrophysical phenomena. With the arrival of Roberto Maiolino as Professor of Experimental Astrophysics and Didier Queloz as Professor of Physics, the instrumentation programme will expand into new projects in the IR, mm and submm wavebands.

Development

Subject to the long-term plans of the future of the Lord's Bridge Observatory, there are opportunities for the development of a Radio Astronomy Heritage and Education Centre, building on existing outreach facilities.