Cosmology is the study of the large-scale properties of the universe as a whole. Our goal in cosmological studies is to understand the nature, origin, and evolution of the whole universe. The universe is the sum of all matter and energies, space and time, and the laws of nature. Cosmology involves the formation of theoretical models to describe our universe, which then provide us with specific predictions for physical phenomena that can be tested with astronomical experiments.
Extragalactic Astronomy
Research of extragalaxy is one of the most dynamic areas of contemporary astronomy. Members of ASIAA extragalactic group have been working on all these various and wide ranging studies, from clusters of galaxies to active galactic nuclei, from nearby galaxies to high-z galaxies. Particular interests are the formation and evolution of galaxies, the interaction of galaxies, the interstellar medium in galaxies, the activities of AGNs and starbursts, and so on.
Star Formation
Stars are formed from molecular clouds and are the very fundamental building blocks of the universe. The processes of forming stars reshape the physical and chemical environment of molecular clouds, thus controls not only the structure and evolution of galaxies but also the buildup of heavy elements as well as the creation of the planetary environments in which life may become possible.
Planetary Sciences
At ASIAA, we have a growing community of planetary scientists who are involved in a wide range of research topics: Solar System Science (Observations and Theory); Exoplanets (Theory).
High Energy Astrophysics
Current research activities of the high energy astrophysics group in ASIAA involve the nature of accretion flow onto black holes in binary star systems and in the centers of galaxies, the formation of neutron stars and black holes in binary star systems, and the emission mechanisms of high energy radiation from isolated magnetized neutron stars or such stars as members of gamma ray binary systems.
