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Astrophysics

Read more at: About the group
Astrophysics group photo 2026

About the group

The group carries out research into a wide range of topics involving astrophysical fluid dynamics and nonlinear dynamics. Specific astrophysical interests include the dynamics of astrophysical discs, planetary formation and evolution, extrasolar planetary systems and stellar magnetohydrodynamics (particularly dynamo theory, magnetoconvection and the physics of sunspots).

Read more at: News and events

News and events

(Jul 2026) The group has hosted the UK & Ireland Discs Meeting 2026.
 
(Jul 2026) Congratulations to both Josh Brown and Amelia Cordwell on successfully defending their PhD theses.
 
(Mar 2026) The group welcomes Prasun Dhang, a new postdoc.
 
(Jan 2026) Welcome to new PhD student, Marianna Szambelan.
 
 
Read more at: Vacancies

Vacancies

Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Astrophysical Discs and Exoplanets. 

Applications are welcomed for PhD studentships in the Astrophysics group, though the admission round for 2026 is now closed.

Numerous opportunities exist for research fellowships that can be held in, or in association with, the Astrophysics Group.

Read more at: PhD opportunties

PhD opportunties

The deadline is now passed for PhD applications with an October 2026 start. However, we are happy to discuss applications for the following round

Read more at: Astrophysical dynamics

Astrophysical dynamics

Discs are ubiquitous in astrophysics and participate in some of its most important processes. Most, but not all, feed a central mass: by facilitating the transfer of angular momentum, they permit the accretion of material that would otherwise stay in orbit. As a consequence, discs are essential to star, planet and satellite formation. They also regulate the growth of supermassive black holes and thus indirectly influence galactic structure and the intra-cluster medium.

Read more at: Atomic astrophysics

Atomic astrophysics

Atomic physics plays a key role in astrophysics as astronomers' only information about a particular object comes through the light that it emits, and this light arises through atomic transitions. The main astronomical body that we study is the Sun and, in particular, the hot atmosphere of the Sun called the corona. The best parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to study the corona are the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-rays.

 

Recent Publications

Viscous coiling on a rotating surface
M Lisicki, P-T Brun, NM Ribe, HK Moffatt, A Herczyński
– Journal of Fluid Mechanics
(2026)
1044,
A16
(doi: 10.1017/jfm.2026.12091)
Note on flow structure near the corner of a wedge
HK Moffatt
– Journal of Fluid Mechanics
(2026)
1042,
a43
(doi: 10.1017/jfm.2026.12016)
Ocean Mixing Regimes Set Heat and Buoyancy Fluxes From the Arctic's Atlantic Water Layer
S Waterman, M Chanona, HV Dosser, NC Shibley, M Timmermans
– Geophysical Research Letters
(2026)
53,
e2025GL118370
(doi: 10.1029/2025GL118370)
Debris Disc Substructures Induced by Secular Planetary Perturbations
RR Rafikov, D Akansoy, AA Sefilian
(2026)
(link to publication)
αβqth-mapping of planet-induced density wave damping in protoplanetary discs
AJ Cordwell, RR Rafikov
– Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
(2026)
550,
stag1252
(doi: 10.1093/mnras/stag1252)

DAMTP Astrophysics Seminars

Craig Duguid (Durham)

Study at Cambridge

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Research at Cambridge