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

Astronomical Data The Astronomical Data group solves hard problems in measurement and discovery. Depending on the context, the challenges in these problems can stem from the sheer size or complexity of the datasets, the precision requirements for measurements, or the subtlety or structure of the signals of interest. 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

Cosmology X Data Science The Cosmology X Data Science group develops novel algorithms and ways of thinking to apply to datasets to answer fundamental questions about the cosmos. 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

Planet Formation The Planet Formation group develops the theoretical framework and computational methods needed to understand the origin and evolution of planets and planetary systems. Read More

News & Announcements

Center for Computational Astrophysics Fall Colloquia Schedule

Next to Its Solar Twins, the Sun Stands Out (Science News)

The Gaia Sausage: The Major Collision That Changed the Milky Way Galaxy

Upcoming Events

September 2018

21 Fri
- Event 3:30 - 4:30 PM
  CCA Colloquium: Federica Bianco
24 Mon
- Workshop 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  Workshop on Cosmological Voids
26 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
27 Thu
- Meeting 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  Galaxy Formation Group Meeting

October 2018

01 Mon
- Conference 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  The Plasma physics of NS mergers
03 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
05 Fri
- Seminar 4:00 - 5:00 PM
  Flatiron Friday Seminar*: TBD
10 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
12 Fri
- Event 3:30 - 4:30 PM
  CCA Colloquium: Mike Zingale
15 Mon
- Meeting 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  Science with HabEx: UV to Near-Infrared Space Astronomy in the 2030s

Research Highlights

August 22, 2018

The Simons Observatory: Science goals and forecasts

Simons Observatory Collaboration

The Simons Observatory (SO) is a new cosmic microwave background experiment being built on Cerro Toco in Chile, due to…

ArXiv:1808.07445

August 22, 2018

Massive Neutrinos Leave Fingerprints on Cosmic Voids

C. D. Kreisch, A. Pisani, C. Carbone, J. Liu, J. Hawken, E. Massara, D. Spergel, B. Wandelt

Massive neutrinos uniquely affect cosmic voids. We explore their impact on void clustering using both the DEMNUni and MassiveNuS simulations.…

ArXiv:1808.07464

August 20, 2018

Beyond the classical distance-redshift test: cross-correlating redshift-free standard candles and sirens with redshift surveys

S. Mukherjee, B. Wandelt

LSST will supply up to 10^6 supernovae (SNe) to constrain dark energy through the distance-redshift (DL-z) test. Obtaining spectroscopic SN…

ArXiv:1808.06615

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.

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