Astrophysics Group Members
We are a team of academics and research students in the Department of Physics who specialise in astrophysics and related earth science.
Astrophysics
We study exploding stars, growing galaxies and feeding black holes in an expanding Universe.
Our Research
We use cutting-edge observational, computational and theoretical methods to address fundamental questions in astrophysics and related earth science. Our research covers both extreme phenomena in high-energy astrophysics and the large-scale evolution of the universe and the galaxies within it. Within the former, we study the physics of neutron stars and black-hole formation by observing and modelling relativistic jets and gamma-ray bursts. Within the latter, we use large-survey data and perform cosmological simulations of galaxies and cosmic structure. We map nearby variable stars to calibrate the cosmological distance ladder. Bridging topics are our use of gamma-ray burst as cosmic probes of their environment and our observational research into active galactic nuclei. Further research themes include satellite imaging and acoustics. We are members of international consortia including 4MOST. Our numerical work involves fluid dynamics, machine learning and uses national HPC facilities.
Find Out More About Physics Research At Bath
People and Research
Learn more about the research activities of our staff, research associates and PhD students.
Astrophysics Seminar Series
Astrophysics seminars take place at 13:15 UK time on a Wednesday (occasionally on other days) in 8W 3.14 (occasionally in other rooms).
Join Us
Join us as a PhD student or member of staff. Interested students can either contact academic staff directly or see our projects on FindaPhD.com.
Astrophysics Group Job Opportunities
Find out about how to join us as a PhD student or a research fellow.
Available PhD Projects in the Department of Physics
See available PhD projects in the Department of Physics
Join Physics as an independent research fellow
Advice for postdoctoral researchers about how to apply for fellowships and join the Department of Physics.
News and Announcements
Read more on Bath astrophysicists in the news.
Powerful telescope with 2,400 ‘eyes’ captures first light
The powerful telescope facility 4MOST has obtained its first light, a key milestone that marks the beginning of its scientific operations.
Simulations solve centuries-old cosmic mystery – and discover new class of ancient star systems
New study uses simulations to solve the mystery of the origins of globular clusters – one of the universe’s oldest and densest stellar systems.
Bath Astrophysics at Somerscience Festival
Bath Astrophysicists joined this year’s Somerscience festival, providing public talks, planetarium shows and an information stand to over 5,000 visitors.
Simulating the origins of the first stars and chemical elements
A supercomputing award will power University of Bath-led research into how the first stars and chemical elements formed after the Big Bang.
By studying neutron ‘starquakes’, scientists hope to transform their understanding of nuclear matter
The study of ‘starquakes’ (like earthquakes, but in stars) promises to give us important new insights into the properties of neutron stars.
Astronomers discover mysterious ‘Red Monster’ galaxies in the early Universe
An international team that includes the University of Bath has discovered three ultra-massive galaxies in the early Universe forming at unexpected speeds.
Research Consortium
Find out more about research consortia in which we participate.
Astrophysics Research Stories
Find out more about the research our group has been involved in.
Using dust clouds and geometry to reveal the secrets of space
With intergalactic distances reaching many thousands of lightyears, researchers turn to geometry to model galaxies and learn more about their evolution.
Understanding the brightest cosmic explosion of all time
In October 2022, telescopes registered the brightest cosmic explosion of all time. Bath astrophysicists set out to discover what made it so dazzling.
Earth Science Research Stories
Find out more about the research our group has been involved in.
Bath scientists make seismic prospection safer for marine animals
Dr Philippe Blondel talks about partnering with Seiche to monitor seismic prospection, and using acoustic tomography to help protect marine life.
Seeing with sound: monitoring the oceans with acoustic technology
Dr Philippe Blondel from the Department of Physics is uncovering the secrets of the deep and imaging our underwater environments with sound waves.
Listening to icebergs on climate change
What happens to a glacier when no one is around? This is the story of our researcher mapping the behaviour of icebergs using underwater acoustics.
Research Outputs
Take a look at recent papers, articles and conference contributions from our staff and students on our Bath Research Portal.