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

Visiting Researcher Program – Center for Computational Astrophysics

Sky Rivers: Streams of Stars Reveal the Galaxy’s Violent History (Science)

Upcoming Events

November 2018

20 Tue
- Event 10:30 - 11:00 AM
  Astro-Ph Tea
21 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
22 Thu
- Event 10:30 - 11:00 AM
  Astro-Ph Tea
27 Tue
- Event 10:30 - 11:00 AM
  Astro-Ph Tea
28 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
29 Thu
- Event 10:30 - 11:00 AM
  Astro-Ph Tea
- Meeting 3:00 - 4:30 PM
  Flatiron Computational Methods and Data Science Journal Club
30 Fri
- Event 3:30 - 4:30 PM
  CCA Colloquium: Neal Weiner

December 2018

04 Tue
- Event 10:30 - 11:00 AM
  Astro-Ph Tea
05 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting

Research Highlights

November 5, 2018

Zooming in on accretion – II. Cold Circumgalactic Gas Simulated with a super-Lagrangian Refinement Scheme

Joshua Suresh, Dylan Nelson, S. Genel, Kate Rubin, Lars Hernquist

In this study we explore the complex multi-phase gas of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) surrounding galaxies. We propose and implement…

arXiv:1811.01949

2018

Compact multi-planet systems are more common around metal poor hosts

J Brewer, S Wang, D Fischer, D. Foreman-Mackey

In systems with detected planets, hot-Jupiters and compact systems of multiple planets are nearly mutually exclusive. We compare the relative…

arXiv:1810.10009

October 22, 2018

Spectrophotometric parallaxes with linear models: Accurate distances for luminous red-giant stars

D. Hogg, A-C Eilers, H-W Rix

With contemporary infrared spectroscopic surveys like APOGEE, red-giant stars can be observed to distances and extinctions at which Gaia parallaxes…

arXiv:1810.09468

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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