Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics

The division studies processes in stars, compact objects, galaxies, planets, the Solar System and the Universe as a whole and develops instrumentation to observe these objects. We also study the Earth's atmosphere and it's interaction with space.

Contact

Desiree Della Monica Ferreira

Desiree Della Monica Ferreira Head of Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics Phone: +45 45259762

Malika Lund-Harris

Malika Lund-Harris Section Secretary

Mission

Our mission is to discover, expand and communicate knowledge about astrophysics and atmospheric physics creating solutions for the benefit of society through excellence in natural and technical sciences.

Learn about our vision.

Research areas

Stellar pulsations propagating throughout the star

Stellar Astrophysics

The group focuses on understanding astrophysical processes such as magnetic fields, diffusion, convection, and rotation by studying stellar variability, including pulsations and stellar spots. This research is instrumental in comprehending the influence of these processes on the structure and evolution of stars. We utilise  data from NASA and ESA missions, including Kepler, TESS, and Gaia, and from ground-based observatories.

Atmospheric Electricity

Our research group studies all aspects of electrification and discharge of electricity in planetary atmospheres, on modern-day Earth, exoplanets, and primordial Earth. We use satellite data, Earth-based cameras, lightning networks, and large-scale mathematical simulations.

Exoplanets

The Exoplanet Group focuses on detecting and characterising exoplanets by studying a wide range of worlds, from hot Jupiters down to temperate Earth-sized planets. Our research includes mass measurements of terrestrial exoplanets and observations, characterization, and modelling of a wide range of exoplanetary atmospheres.

High Energy Instrumentation

We develop high-energy, high-resolution semiconductor detectors for hard X- and Gamma-ray imaging telescopes requiring advanced spectral and imaging capabilities. Within the Gamma-ray domain, detection processes observing these sources are challenging.

Observational Cosmology

Our research and instrument development related to observational cosmology covers a broad range of topics. From the cosmic microwave background and large-scale structure, to the epoch of reionization and the formation and evolution of galaxies across cosmic time.

Compact Objects and Transient Phenomena

We investigate the physical conditions of supernova explosions and their compact outcomes, neutron stars and black holes, as well as transient phenomena in the vicinity of supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies.

High Energy Astronomical Telescopes

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General Engineering & Instrumentation

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Selected Research Projects

Solar Wind and Planetary Interactions

DTU develops new methods for forecasting adverse conditions in space which could be harmful to satellites and to technology on ground. We focus primarily on structures in the solar wind which could cause geomagnetic storms. We investigate their sources at the Sun and their effects at Earth.

High Resolution Detector Development for High-energy Astrophysics

DTU Space Detector Group develops radiation measurement technology. Our focus is on improving gamma-ray detectors (0.1 to 100 MeV). Over the past decade, our research and development efforts have reshaped radiation detection technology.

Cosmo Climatology

We investigate how processes in space affect the terrestrial climate on timescales from fractions of a second to billions of years and considers the consequences for life on the Earth, past, present and future. We investigate the intensity of Galactic cosmic rays and it's impact on the Earth's atmosphere and climate.

INTEGRAL

Launched in 2002, the ESA-satellite INTEGRAL holds two DTU Space PI-led X-ray monitors JEM-X. The DTU Space team monitors the instruments’ performance and calibration, and contribute to the data analysis software and scientific observations.

Computational study of discharges

We develop models for the newest generation of supercomputers to study electric discharges (e.g. lightning) and associated phenomena (e.g. relativistic photon beams). We consider various atmospheres and aim at understanding the plasma chemistry by electric discharges (e.g. for greenhouse gases).

Thor-Davis

The project explores thunderstorms and atmospheric electrical activity using high-speed cameras. The project's primary goal is to advance our understanding of thunderstorms and their implications for climate and atmospheric dynamics. The project is a collaboration between DTU and the European Space Agency (ESA).

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