From the beginning humankind has looked up at the sky with a sense of curiosity. It is no wonder that astronomy is one of the oldest of natural sciences. The field of Astronomy and Astrophysics pertains to a detailed study of the physical, chemical and dynamic properties of celestial objects. The research conducted in the AA group at RRI can be broadly classified into four areas:
(a) Theoretical Astrophysics that involves development of analytical models and numerical simulations describing the dynamics, physical properties and underlying physical phenomena in celestial objects like stars, planets, galaxies, interstellar medium etc. Theorists also work on answering fundamental questions on the formation and evolution of the Universe, a branch of astrophysics called cosmology.
(b) Observational Astronomy on the other hand uses telescopes built across the globe to study radiation from space across the entire electromagnetic spectrum – low frequency (long wavelength) radio waves to very high frequency (short wavelength and highly energetic) gamma rays. These observations test existing theoretical models and also give rise to new questions that call for answers.
(c) Experimental Astronomy involves the design, construction and operation of telescopes for very specific purposes to address key unsolved problems, and are strategically located around the world and in space.
(d) Algorithms & Signal processing where a variety of methods and modelling are employed to amplify and or isolate the required astronomy signal from other foregrounds, backgrounds and unwanted interference and confusion.
