Cosmology and Astrophysics

Cosmology

Detailed information about Cosmology at the University of Michigan can be found on the Cosmology Website. Cosmologists are studying the universe from fractions of a second after the Big Bang to the present day. There are both experimentalists and theorists who measure, understand and explain length scales ranging from 10^(-33) to 10^(28) centimeters.

Theoretical Astrophysics

Michigan theoretical astrophysicists are working on understanding physical processes in stars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies, and mapping the evolution of the Universe. Principal areas of research include theories of the early Universe and inflation, the cosmic microwave background radiation, dark matter and dark energy, the physics of galaxy clusters, and star/planet formation. Theorists are working with experimental astrophysicists and astronomers in providing theoretical predictions and numerical simulations for a variety of observational projects in which Michigan is involved. Theorists are also collaborating with high-energy physicists in exploring the fertile intersection between particle physics and cosmology.

Experimental Astrophysics

Departmental activities focus on the interface of fundamental physics and astrophysics. Astrophysics at U-M encompasses a strong group of faculty and senior research staff with highly diverse research interests. The ROTSE project, which recorded the first simultaneous optical flash from a gamma-ray burst (GRB), is engaged in building and operating a global network of small telescopes in various remote locations to observe GRBs and other transient phenomena. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) is creating the first comprehensive digital map of the universe. The U-M SDSS group leads gravitational lensing analyses of SDSS data, revealing the relationship between luminous and dark matter. A large group of Michigan astrophysicists participate in the Supernova Acceleration Probe (SNAP) experiment, a wide field space telescope that will determine the nature of the dark energy that is causing the universe to accelerate its expansion.

Experimental astrophysics at Michigan benefits from the close relationship between cosmology and high-energy physics. With this broad range of experimental efforts, U-M astrophysicists will play an important role in the new era of precision cosmology