Astronomy & Astrophysics

Latest News

Vacanies: We are delighted to announce that the DIAS Astrophysics Summer Studentship programme is now open, with an application deadline of 23rd April 2021. Read how to apply here.

Astrophotography competition: The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies is delighted to invite entries for the inaugural ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition. We are looking for the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period 1^st January 2020 to 31st March 2021. Learn how to enter here.

DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics researchers stargazing at DIAS Dunsink Observatory.

New appointment: Professor Tom Ray has been appointed a Senior Professor in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Senior Professors are the most senior academic appointments in DIAS and are appointed by the President of Ireland on the advice of the Government of Ireland. Professor Ray’s appointment papers were signed by President Higgins in November 2020. Further details on his research and career achievements can be found on his web pages.

Professor Ray and Minister John Halligan T.D. at the IAU “Above & Beyond” exhibit at Dublin City Council Civic Offices in 2019.

Introduction

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Section undertakes research on solar and stellar physics, space weather, planetary science, star formation, the interstellar medium, high energy astrophysics and instrumentation. It has contributed to many international projects and is currently involved in space missions such as Solar Orbiter and the James Webb Space Telescope and ground-based facilities such as LOFAR and the European Southern Observatory. The Section includes approximately 35 researchers based at Fitzwilliam Place in central Dublin. It also runs popular visitor nights and public engagement events at DIAS Dunsink Observatory in west Dublin.

The work of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Section is documented in the annual reports (2016 – 2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010 – 2009 – 2008 – 2007 – 2006 – 2005 – 2004) and in “Fort Years of Research in Space (1972-2012)” and “DIAS: 50 Years as Space Research Pioneers” by Prof. Denis O’Sullivan.

Research Groups

Major areas of interest include:

Meet some of our astrophysicists in the video below and learn about what they get up to as they reach for the stars!

DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics 4 mins ago

It's #TechWeek2021! Researchers @DIASAstronomy work with the advanced tech of the @LOFARIreland radio telescope, one of the world’s largest telescopes stretching from Birr right across Europe. Learn more about the technology behind I-LOFAR here: lofar.ie/technology/

test Twitter Media - It's #TechWeek2021! Researchers @DIASAstronomy work with the advanced tech of the @LOFARIreland radio telescope, one of the world’s largest telescopes stretching from Birr right across Europe. Learn more about the technology behind I-LOFAR here: https://t.co/7t09RDRZnu https://t.co/TMMdu5DrWn

DIAS 2 weeks ago

DIAS will host a number of Summer Studentships in 2021,which are now open for application✍️ 💫DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics closes on 23rd April 2021📡 #DIASdiscovers #jobfairy #studentships #astrophysics RTs encouraged! @PhysicsNUIG @tcdastro @UCD_physics @WITPhysics twitter.com/DIASAstronomy/… Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics

DIAS 2 weeks ago

@DIASAstronomy and @DIASDunsink have a nice Citizen Science project ongoing in relation to meteors. Learn more here: dunsink.dias.ie/citizen-scienc… (2/2) #DIASdiscovers #darkskies #CitizenScience Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics

DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics 2 weeks ago

We are delighted to announce that the DIAS Astrophysics Summer Studentship programme is now open! Read how to apply on our website: dias.ie/astro-students… . Application deadline is 23rd April 2021.

DIAS 3 weeks ago

Got a minute? - We'd really appreciate your help and insight into some of our activities. Survey takes about 3 minutes and closes tomorrow Friday 02 April. ➡️surveymonkey.com/r/NC92H86 - 🔃RTs encouraged! 🔃Many Thanks! #DIASdiscovers #IAS #survey #insights #comms Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics

DIAS 4 weeks ago

Did you miss the IOP Tyndall Lecture on Monday with @DIASAstronomy's @petertgallagher ? Great news it's now available on YouTube. #DIASdiscovers twitter.com/IOP_Ireland/st… Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics

DIAS 4 weeks ago

Did you catch Head of @DIASAstronomy @petertgallagher on @TodayFM on Monday? DIAS has an ongoing #CitizenScience meteorites project. Have you seen something in the sky? Tell us more: dunsink.dias.ie/citizen-scienc… todayfm.com/podcasts/dermo… #DIASdiscovers #Meteorite #aurora #solar Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics

DIAS Geophysics 4 weeks ago

We are collaborators with @MetEireann and @DIASAstronomy in 'Space Weather' research and we are recording natural magnetic and electric field variations in County Kerry to assist this exciting research. #DIASdiscovers #worldmetday Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics

I-LOFAR 1 month ago

Have you ever wondered are alone in the Universe? 👽🛸 Join our #SpringEquinox chat w Dr Andrew Siemion leading the effort to ans that q @BerkeleySETI Learn about collab w Irish researchers to search for life beyond Earth FREE & suitable for all Info & tix lofar.ie/springequinox2… Retweeted by DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics