Center for Computational Astrophysics

Simons Foundation

The Center for Computational Astrophysics's mission is to create new computational frameworks that allow scientists to analyze big astronomical datasets and to understand complex, multi-scale physics in a cosmological context.

Increasingly more sophisticated ground-based observatories and space missions are collecting data to make tremendous discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics, but to make those discoveries will require the combined power of theory, data analysis and simulation. CCA’s mission is to develop the computational tools needed for these simulations and analyses.

Groups

Astrophysics Data Read More

Compact Objects The Compact Objects group studies the astrophysics of neutron stars and black holes, using them as unique cosmic laboratories for exploring the physics of extreme gravitational and electromagnetic fields and of matter at extreme densities. Read More

Galaxy Formation The Galaxy Formation group is developing the numerical tools and physical insights necessary to understand how galaxies form and evolve within a cosmological context. Read More

Gravitational Wave Astronomy The detection of gravitational waves from the merging binary black hole GW150914, followed by the (likely) binary black hole mergers LVT151012, GW151226, and GW170104, means the era of gravitational wave astronomy is upon us. Read More

Statistical Cosmology The Statistical Cosmology group develops novel algorithms and ways of thinking to apply to datasets to answer fundamental questions about the cosmos. Read More

News & Announcements

Astrophysicist Yuri Levin Heads CCA’s New Compact Objects Research Group

How Supermassive Black Holes Can Form Without Collapsing Stars

Colliding Galaxies Move From the Lab to the Movies

Upcoming Events

September 2017

27 Wed
- Meeting 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
- Workshop 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  GAIA DR2 Prep Workshop
- Seminar 2:00 - 3:00 PM
  CCA Seminar: Chuck Steidel
28 Thu
- Meeting 10:30 AM - 12:15 PM
  Statistical Cosmology Group Meeting
29 Fri
- Meeting 1:30 - 3:00 PM
  Compact Objects Group Meeting

October 2017

04 Wed
- Workshop 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  GAIA DR2 Prep Workshop
- Meeting 12:00 - 2:30 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
- Seminar 4:00 - 5:00 PM
  Special Seminar: Ewine F. van Dishoeck
05 Thu
- Meeting 2:30 - 4:00 PM
  Statistical Cosmology Group Meeting
06 Fri
- Meeting 1:30 - 3:30 PM
  Galaxy Formation Regional/Open Meeting

Research Highlights

August 9, 2017

GMC evolution in a barred spiral galaxy with star formation and thermal feedback

Y. Fujimoto, G. Bryan, E. Tasker, A. Habe, C. Simpson

We explore the impact of star formation and thermal stellar feedback on the giant molecular cloud population forming in a…

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

July 21, 2017

How To Model Supernovae in Simulations of Star and Galaxy Formation

P. Hopkins, A. Wetzel, D. Keres, C-A. Faucher-Giguere , E. Quataert, M. Boylan-Kolchin , N. Murray , C. Hayward, K. El-Badry

We study the implementation of mechanical feedback from supernovae (SNe) and stellar mass loss in galaxy simulations, within the Feedback…

arXiv

July 20, 2017

On the Formation of the First Quasars

R. Valiante, B. Agarwal , M. Habouzit, E. Pezzulli

Observations of the most luminous quasars at redshift z>6 reveal the existence of numerous supermasssive black holes (>10^9 Msun) already…

Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia

Director

David Spergel, Ph.D.

Director, CCA

David Spergel joined the foundation in 2016 to lead its Center for Computational Astrophysics. He is an astrophysicist with research interests ranging from the search for planets around nearby stars to the shape of the universe.