Research Opportunities
Research in the Astronomy Department is centered around ground-based observational astronomy, computer simulations of dynamical and hydrodynamical motions in astronomical objects, and investigation of dark matter and dark energy. Within these broad categories can be found studies of the origin of the light elements using stellar spectroscopy, studies of globular clusters and compact objects in these clusters, models of the formation of the solar system, experiments to determine the mass of the neutrino, observational tests of galaxy evolution, and measurements of properties of old novae. Spacecraft observations with the Hubble telescope and with X-ray satellites are used extensively in much of this work. Five technical support personnel work in the department. Activities are often coordinated among the research groups to permit sharing of equipment, people, and skills, but we nevertheless retain the degree of breadth in our departmental research that is needed to remain strong and competitive.
Current Research
- Stellar and Galaxy Dynamics
- Stellar Chemical Abundances
- Galaxy Formation and Evolution
- Observational Cosmology
- Astrophysical Disks
- Cataclysmic Variables
- Instrumentation
