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We explore the Universe: from planets to stars, galaxies and the Big Bang.

About

We focus on the formation and evolution of the Universe on all scales - from planetary systems, stars and galaxies to the shape of space and time itself. Our work on supermassive blackholes and supernovae explores the highest energy events in the Universe, and how they drive galaxy evolution and distribute the ingredients for forming planets and life. At the largest scale, our cosmology team observe the cosmic microwave background to reveal the fundamental physics that shapes our Universe.  

Through a mix of cutting-edge observations, computer simulations and fundamental theory, our group covers a wide range of contemporary astrophysics.

As part of the Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics and Technology (CHART), the umbrella group for all of our astrophysicists and one of the largest in the UK, we work closely with the Astronomy Instrumentation Group to help design and operate new instruments that will expand our understanding of the Universe.

News

A telescope image of the Red Spider Nebula

Webb serves up Halloween treat with new images of cosmic creepy crawly

Telescope reveals never-before-seen details in Red Spider Nebula

The butterfly nebula, NGC 6302, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.

JWST observations of Butterfly Nebula reveal how cosmic dust is made in space

Astronomers say observations show planetary nebulae are surprisingly dynamic objects which create cool gemstones and fiery grime

An observation from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope

Telescope observations reveal universe’s hours-old baby pictures, scientists say

Most precise images to date enabled team to put standard model of cosmology through rigorous tests

Synthesized false colour image of Venus, using 283-nm and 365-nm band images taken by the Venus Ultraviolet Imager (UVI)

Hints of life on Venus

International team of astronomers, led by Cardiff University discovers rare molecule in the clouds of Venus

People

Picture of Ana Duarte Cabral

Dr Ana Duarte Cabral

Senior Research Fellow - Royal Society University Research Fellow

Email
CabralAD@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Erminia Calabrese

Professor Erminia Calabrese

Director of Research
Astronomy Instrumentation Group and Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29208 75031
Email
CalabreseE@cardiff.ac.uk
No picture for Paul Clark

Professor Paul Clark

Head of Astronomy Group

Telephone
+44 29208 75107
Email
ClarkPC@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Stephen Eales

Professor Stephen Eales

Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology (Co-Director)

Telephone
+44 29208 76168
Email
EalesSA@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Haley Gomez

Professor Haley Gomez

Head of School, Physics and Astronomy

Telephone
+44 29208 74058
Email
GomezH@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Jane Greaves

Professor Jane Greaves

Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29208 75999
Email
GreavesJ1@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Ian Harrison

Dr Ian Harrison

Lecturer
Astronomy Group
Astronomy Instrumentation Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Email
HarrisonI@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Cosimo Inserra

Dr Cosimo Inserra

Reader
Associate Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity - College of Physical Sciences and Engineering

Email
InserraC@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Mikako Matsuura

Dr Mikako Matsuura

Reader
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29225 10266
Email
MatsuuraM@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Nicolas Peretto

Dr Nicolas Peretto

Joint Director of International
Reader
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29208 74649
Email
PerettoN@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Sarah Ragan

Dr Sarah Ragan

Senior Lecturer
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29208 74289
Email
RaganSE@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Subhajit Sarkar

Dr Subhajit Sarkar

Lecturer
Astronomy Group
Astronomy Instrumentation Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29225 14790
Email
SarkarS3@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Matthew Smith

Dr Matthew Smith

Senior Lecturer
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29208 75106
Email
SmithMW2@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Freeke van de Voort

Dr Freeke van de Voort

Senior Lecturer & Royal Society University Research Fellow

Email
vandeVoortF@cardiff.ac.uk
No picture for Anthony Whitworth

Professor Anthony Whitworth

Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Telephone
+44 29208 74798
Email
WhitworthAP@cardiff.ac.uk

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Research that matters

Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.

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Postgraduate research

Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.

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Our research impact

Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.