Simons Foundation

Research

Center for Computational Astrophysics

Interstellar Medium

Astrophysical Disks and Jets

Plasma Astrophysics

Particle Astrophysics

Cosmic Microwave Background

Planet Formation

Detection and Characterization

Dealing with Dynamical Disequilibrium

Resolved Stellar Populations

Galactic Chemo-Dynamics

Dark Matter in the Nearby Universe

Compact Objects

Astrophysical Data and Surveys The Astronomical Data group develops and maintains advanced tools for the astrophysics community, especially ones for building probabilistic models and making precise measurements. It builds these tools by carrying out in-house data analysis projects that answer important scientific questions.

Astrophysical Gases and Fluids Astrophysical Gases and Fluids research at CCA is at the forefront of understanding the complexities surrounding galactic gas flows, stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and magnetospheres, and accretion disks. Leveraging cutting-edge magnetohydrodynamic and kinetic particle-in-cell codes, CCA researchers delve deep into the multifaceted, multi-timescale and multi-wavelength signatures of astrophysical fluids.

Cosmology Researchers at the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) stand at the forefront of advancing our understanding of the universe by melding cutting-edge machine learning and data science techniques with profound cosmological inquiries. In an era where cosmology is undergoing a transformative shift, this group spearheads the development of pioneering algorithms and innovative conceptual frameworks that are tailored to the increasingly complex cosmological datasets. Harnessing the collective power of ground-based and space-based telescopes furnished with progressively sensitive cameras and instruments, researchers at CCA are at the vanguard of endeavors such as SDSS, Vera Rubin Observatory, Euclid, SPHEREX, HIRAX and Roman Space Telescope.

Exoplanets Exoplanet researchers at the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) study the origins and evolution of planetary systems around other stars, from simulations of their initial formation to observations of their present-day conditions.

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.

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.

Machine Learning X Astrophysics Machine learning is being increasingly integrated into scientific discovery to augment and accelerate research, helping scientists to generate hypotheses, design experiments, collect and interpret large datasets, and gain insights that might not have been possible using traditional scientific methods alone. Researchers at CCA is leading the wave of rapid development and adoption of machine learning techniques to enable and accelerate scientific discovery.

Nearby Universe The Nearby Universe group studies the structure, growth and dynamical evolution of our galaxy and its neighbors. We use the nearby universe as a laboratory to constrain dynamical processes and the properties of dark matter. The group works at the interface between large observed and simulated datasets.

Stars and Compact Objects The Stars and Compact Objects group develops the theoretical framework and computational methods needed to study the life and death of stars, as well as the astrophysics of neutron stars and black holes.