Binary star evolution

We study close binary stars containing compact objects such as black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs. We are particularly interested in the exotic physical processes that drive their interaction and evolution. Observations of compact objects, companion stars and accretion flows are carried out routinely with the world's largest telescopes and satellite missions, including VLT, Gemini, HST, XMM-Newton, and Chandra.

Extra-solar planets

Extra-solar planets have come to prominence in the past decade as advanced techniques have begun to detect them in greater numbers. Research at Warwick seeks both to discover new extra-solar planets using the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) telescopes, and to understand their nature by performing follow-up observations with space telescopes such as HST, Spitzer, Swift and XMM-Newton.

Gamma-ray bursts

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous events in the Universe and provide powerful probes of high redshift galaxies, universal reionisation, and potentially gravitational waves. Research at Warwick uses the dedicated GRB satellite Swift and a wide range of ground and space-based telescopes, including VLT and HST, to understand what produces these extremely bright events and to employ them as probes of the high redshift Universe.

High speed astrophysics

The objects we study are dynamic and can change within minutes, seconds and even milli-seconds. We specialise in the high-speed data acquisition and analysis techniques needed to track them. Members of the group have led the development and exploitation of the ULTRACAM high-speed, multi-colour photometer. ULTRACAM was the first visitor instrument on the VLT.