Astrophysical eScience Laboratory

The Astrophysical eScience Laboratory (AeSciL) program in Computational Astrophysics builds on the scientific and technical strengths in the School of Computing, Engineering and mathematics and on our relationships with the various world-wide institutes, to create at the Western Sydney University a unique emerging national research group that will advance the University and its (inter)national agenda for astrophysics.

AeSciL is engaged in fundamental and generic astrophysical observational research on the life of stars at all frequencies (Radio, Optical, IR, X-Ray) using available national and international instruments. The group wishes to expand the scope and enabling of its research, which includes:

  • Improved resourcing to enhance the current experimental observation work
  • Enhance our generic understanding of the astronomy and astrophysics of the universe (e.g. understanding Supernovae Remnants, Planetary Nebulae and Galactic magnetic field structures)
  • Galactic formation studies using computational modelling and simulation
  • The astrophysical origins of life: testing the Copernican principle of mediocrity from statistical stellar studies of star and galactic systems. Contribution to Astrobiology and the existence of life and its uniqueness in the universe from an astrophysical point of view. (e.g. SETI and SETI @ home)
  • Development of data analysis, data mining and imaging software (e.g. image deconvolution and interpolation)
  • Use of distributed and networked computing facilities to perform simulation and theoretical modelling (e.g., N-body galactic simulation)
  • Promoting science and computing to community through engagement with IT-enabled research in Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Researchers from the group will contribute interactive demonstrations from Astronomy and Astrophysics to "Science in Suburbs" and other community targeting Western Sydney University events in GWS and beyond.

People:

  1. Professor Miroslav Filipovic
  2. Professor Ray Norris
  3. Dr Ain De Horta
  4. Dr Evan Crawford
  5. Dr Nick Tothill
  6. Dr Luke Barnes
  7. Adjunct Professor John O'Sullivan
  8. Adjunct Professor Fred Watson
  9. Adjunct A/Prof Frank Stootman
  10. Adjunct A/Prof Graeme L White