Astrophysics group | Astrophysics

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).

News and events

(Dec 2024) The group congratulates Nathan Magnan, who successfully defended his PhD thesis. Nathan will take up a research fellowship in Nice later in 2025. Well done, Nathan!

(Oct 2024) Congratulations to Giulio del Zanna for being appointed Honorary Professor in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Leicester!

(Oct 2024) Our group welcomes Johannes Sadler, new PhD student, Nicole Shibley, new Assistant Professor, and Mor Rozner, new Junior Research Fellow.

(Sep 2024) Congratulations to Helen Mason on being awarded the Ogden Trust's Sustained Contribution to Physics Outreach Award 2024.

(Sep 2024) Congratulations to Stanislav DeLaurentiis for a successful MPhil defence.

(May 2024) Congratulations to Tom Daggit for a successful PhD defence.

Vacancies

Applications are welcomed for PhD studentships in the Astrophysics group (closing date 7 January 2025).

PhD opportunties

A wide range of possible research topics is available and we welcome enquiries from potential applicants. The closing date for applications is 7 January 2025.

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.

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

UK APAP R-matrix electron-impact excitation cross-sections for modelling laboratory and astrophysical plasma

GD Zanna, G Liang, J Mao, NR Badnell

(2025)

(link to publication)

The Laplace Surface of a Circumplanetary Disc

SH Lubow, GI Ogilvie

– Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

(2025)

staf526

(doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf526)

H, He-like recombination spectra VI: Quadrupole $l$-changing collisions

E Deliporanidou, NR Badnell, PJ Storey, GD Zanna, GJ Ferland

(2025)

(link to publication)

Gravitational instability and affine dynamics of gaseous astrophysical discs

GI Ogilvie

– Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

(2025)

staf462

(doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf462)

Gravitational instability and affine dynamics of gaseous astrophysical discs

GI Ogilvie

(2025)

(doi: 10.48550/arxiv.2503.12659)

Astrophysics

About the group

News and events

Vacancies

PhD opportunties

Astrophysical dynamics

Atomic astrophysics

Recent Publications

DAMTP Astrophysics Seminars

Study at Cambridge

About the University

Research at Cambridge