The ARC group studies extreme astrophysical phenomena such as black holes, the big bang, and neutron stars, and uses them to further our understanding of fundamental physics. The incredible conditions that occur in these astrophysical environments far exceed those attainable in any Earth-bound laboratory. Our research involves many branches of physics including general relativity, particle physics, fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics and plasma physics. Current research in the ARC group focuses on two primary areas; gravitational wave astronomy and neutron star interiors. Other areas of study include determining the size and shape of the universe, investigating quantum effects in strong gravitational fields, and energy extraction from rotating black holes. Neutron stars are excellent laboratories for studying matter in extreme environments - a teaspoon of neutron star material has a mass of several hundred million tons!

Artist's concept of the
Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission

The ARC group studies the role of magnetic fields, superfluidity and crustal rigidity in neutron stars, and how these factors may be related to star quakes and spin glitches. Gravitational wave astronomy is an exciting new area of research that is poised to open a new window on the Universe. The ARC group is investigating how the space-based LISA gravitational wave detector and the ground based LIGO detectors can be used to study violent astrophysical events such as the collision of two black holes.

ARC Weblinks

 LISA Calculator
(The LISA Calculator models gravitational waves emitted by circular binary systems)