Research area Astronomy

Astronomy is the science of the Universe. This includes just about everything from our own Sun, the planets and moons in our solar system and beyond, stars, interstellar gas clouds, galaxies, to the edge of the observable Universe. Within the subject there are two main methodological paths: observational and theoretical astronomy.

In observational astronomy large telescopes, situated on high mountain tops in very remote places or even in orbit up in space, are used to obtain detailed measurements on distant celestial objects. In theoretical astronomy super computers are used to build models of astrophysical phenomena. These models are constructed from theories scientists want to test and compare to observations, and the computations are often extremely demanding. At Stockholm University research is conducted in both of these fields.

Computational Astrophysics

This research field develops and uses advanced computer models to study complex astrophysical processes. By constructing advanced computer models of the essential physical processes, we can better interpret observational results and improve our understanding of the inner workings of astrophysical environments.

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Galaxies

How galaxies formed and evolved burning question in current astrophysics, deeply connected to cosmology and the origin of the universe. The research at Stockholm University in this area extends from nearby star-forming galaxies to the end of the "dark age", when the first stars and galaxies in the universe were formed.

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Solar Physics

Because the sun is our closest star, solar physics allows researchers to observe and develop fundamental theories of plasma physics and how magnetic fields, electricity and plasma interact. This not only increases our knowledge of the universe but can also give us insights into climate, energy development and space weather that can effect our communications.

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Stars, Planets and Astrobiology

The birth and evolution of stars and planets is of key interest for understanding our universe. Research at Stockholm University concerns both the formation of stars and planets, their atmospheric properties, and origins and preconditions for life.

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Supernovae

Most massive stars and some less massive stars in close binary systems end their lives in giant explosions, so-called supernovae. A supernova is seen as a new star in a distant galaxy, which first becomes brighter for a few weeks and then slowly fades. Remnants of previous supernovae can be seen in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies.

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