Research
At the Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares (ICN), we conduct a wide range of research in astrophysics. Our work explores topics like star formation, high-energy astrophysics, computational astrophysics and data science, and astrobiology. We aim to better understand the universe, from the birth of stars to the conditions that could support life on other planets. The ICN team consists of passionate researchers, students, and postdocs working together to answer some of the biggest questions in science.
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Astrobiology
We carry out theoretical studies on planetary atmospheres, planetary habitability conditions, and remote detection of life on exoplanets. Additionally, we conduct experimental research on the physical and chemical characteristics of protoplanetary disks and meteorite components.
Researchers: Antígona Segura
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Computational Astrophysics and Data Science
We employ high-performance computing to simulate hydrodynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and radiative transfer in astrophysical phenomenta. Additionally, we apply machine learning and statistical techniques to analyze large astronomical datasets, to understand their behaviour. Also, we develop numerical methods to solve complex astrophysical problems.
Researchers: Fabio De Colle, Paola Dominguez Fernández, Diego López-Cámara, Pablo Velázquez
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Extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology
Our group explores the formation and evolution of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and large-scale cosmic structures through simulations, as well as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, using both observations and theoretical modeling. One of the group's main focuses is on non-thermal processes within galaxy clusters, such as radio galaxies, cosmological shocks, turbulence, and particle acceleration mechanisms. The group employs a variety of MHD simulations, including both cosmological and idealized approaches, and regularly uses data from radio telescopes such as the VLA, LOFAR, uGMRT, and MeerKAT, as well as X-ray telescopes such as Chandra and XMM-Newton.
Researchers: Paola Dominguez Fernández, Verónica Lora, Marcelo Salgado
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Gravitation and general relativity
We explore fundamental aspects of strong gravitational fields. In particular, we study the dynamics of compact objects such as neutron stars, black holes, boson stars, and Proca stars, among others.
Researchers: Miguel Alcubierre, Néstor Ortiz, Hernando Quevedo, Marcelo Salgado
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High Energy Astrophysics
Our research focuses on Gamma-Ray Bursts, Supernovae, Tidal Disruption Events, Fast Blue Optical Transients, and other high-energy transients, with an emphasis on using numerical simulations to investigate their complex dynamics. We study the behavior of relativistic jets, shock waves, and the resulting radiation emissions to understand the physical processes driving these events.
Researchers: Fabio De Colle, Paola Dominguez Fernández, Diego López-Cámara, Sarira Sahu
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Star Formation
Research on star formation focuses on various astrophysical flows, particularly supernova remnants, turbulence in molecular clouds, and protostellar jets. These processes play a crucial role in shaping the interstellar medium and regulating star formation rates. Other studied flows include galactic-scale outflows, such as starburst-driven winds and mass redistribution in galaxies, which influence the long-term evolution of galactic structures. Additionally, researchers investigate photoionized regions and the interaction of exoplanets with stellar winds, providing insights into the conditions that shape planetary atmospheres and their potential habitability.
Researchers: Alejandro Esquivel, Veronica Lora, Ary Rodríguez González, Juan Claudio Toledo Roy, Pablo Velázquez
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Stellar evolution
Our research focuses on stellar evolution of binary systems, particularly the common envelope phase. Using numerical simulations, we study mass transfer, angular momentum dynamics, and their role in forming compact object binaries and producing high energy transitory phenomena.
Researchers: Fabio De Colle, Diego López-Cámara