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.

Major areas of interest include:

• • Solar Physics and Space Weather – Prof. Peter T. Gallagher
  • Star Formation – Prof. Tom Ray
  • High Energy Astrophysics – Prof. Felix Aharonian
  • Computational and High Energy Astrophysics – Dr Jonathan Mackey
  • Planetary Magnetospheres – Dr Caitriona Jackman
  • Particle Acceleration and Plasma Astrophysics – Emeritus Prof. Luke O’C. Drury

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.