Computational Astrophysics, Imaging & Simulation (CompAIS)

Our program in Computational Astrophysics builds on the scientific and technical strengths in the College of Health & Science (School of Computing & Mathematics) and on our relationships with the various world-wide institutes, to create at the University of Western Sydney a unique emerging national research group that will advance UWS and its (inter)national agenda for astrophysics.

CompAIS 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 UWS events in GWS and beyond.

People:

1. A/Prof Miroslav Filipovic
2. Mr Ain De Horta
3. Mr Evan Crawford
4. A/Prof Frank Stootman