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Astrophysics and Particle Physics

From the smallest components of matter to how galaxies form and evolve over billions of years: world-leading research at the University spans the entire range from particle physics to astronomy.

Why are the particles that constitute matter of different mass? What happens in an exploding supernova? Can energy-rich particles that reach the Earth tell us about processes in the Universe? Research in the Departments of Astronomy and Physics seeks to understand nature's most fundamental phenomena. This field of research covers everything from elementary particle physics to astronomy, and is conducted through both theoretical research and large-scale experiments and observations.

 
The world-leading research environments at the High Energy Astrophysics and Cosmology Centre (HEAC) and the Oskar Klein Centre receive long-term funding from the Swedish Research council. The research includes studies of energy-rich processes in supernovae and how dying stars can be used to measure distances in the Universe. Another field of research concerns the fascinating phenomena of dark matter and dark energy. Furthermore, the University is home to unique research in solar physics conducted by the Royal Academy of Sciences.
 
Another important field of research is the development of advanced instruments. Particle physicists at the University have played important roles in new experiments with the LCH accelerator in CERN, which will provide new insights into the building blocks of matter. The same applies to the IceCube detector at the South Pole, which studies unusual neutrino particles in cosmic radiation. Researchers in this field also develop equipment for satellites and telescopes, including upgrades for the Hubble Space Telescope.
 

Web editor: Paul Parker
Last updated: November 23, 2011
Source: Communications Office

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