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

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

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

A New and Improved Way To Find Baby Planets (Carnegie Institution for Science)

Upcoming Events

August 2018

22 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
29 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
31 Fri
- Workshop 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  Eternal Multi-Messenger Workshop

September 2018

05 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
12 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
14 Fri
- Event 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  The Gotham Astrofest
17 Mon
- Event 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  LSST Cadence Workshop
19 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting
24 Mon
- Workshop 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  Workshop on Cosmological Voids
26 Wed
- Meeting 12:30 - 2:00 PM
  Stars Group Meeting

Research Highlights

July 31, 2018

Detection of the Milky Way spiral arms in dust from 3D mapping

Sara Rezaei Kh., Coryn A.L. Bailer-Jones, D. Hogg, Mathias Schultheis

Large stellar surveys are sensitive to interstellar dust through the effects of reddening. Using extinctions measured from photometry and spectroscopy,…

arXiv:1808.00015

July 16, 2018

Actions are weak stellar age indicators in the Milky Way disk

Angus Beane, Melissa Ness, M. Bedell

The orbital properties of stars in the disk are signatures of their formation, but they are also expected to change…

arXiv:1807.05986

July 16, 2018

On the discovery of K-enhanced and possibly Mg-depleted stars throughout the Milky Way

Alex J. Kemp, Andrew R. Casey, Matthew T. Miles, Brodie J. Norfolk, John C. Lattanzio, Amanda I. Karakas, Kevin C. Schlaufman, Anna Y. Q. Ho, Christopher A. Tout, Melissa Ness, Alexander P. Ji

Stars with unusual elemental abundances offer clues about rare astrophysical events or nucleosynthetic pathways. Stars with significantly depleted magnesium and…

arXiv:1807.05693

Director

David Spergel, Ph.D.

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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