University of CambridgeKavli Institute for Cosmology
Exploring the physics of the early universe, the time just after the event that created the cosmos 14 billion years ago
The infancy of the universe is a seemingly inexhaustible source of discovery and debate: study of this epoch sheds light not only on the distant past but on the present and future as well. The Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge (KICC) creates a single site at which the university’s cosmologists from different academic departments can share knowledge and work together on major projects.
FOUNDED 2006
Leadership
AREAS OF INQUIRY
- PRECISION COSMOLOGY: Research interests in large scale structure, cosmic microwave background, and precision cosmology at KICC cover a wide array of physical phenomena, associated with a large range of astrophysical scales and epochs – from the present-day properties of the universe going back in time to the surface of last scattering and the Planck scale era. KICC research in this field includes the involvement and exploitation of ongoing and forthcoming large-scale surveys.
- THE EPOCH OF REIONIZATION: KICC is active in exploring the epoch when the intergalactic fog of neutral hydrogen was reinoised by the appearance of the first generation of stars and black holes. Activities in this area include the development and exploitation of new cutting edge radio facilities and numerical simulations.
- FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF GALAXIES: Work within this area focuses on the understanding of the mechanisms and physical processes responsible for galaxy formation and evolution, as well as the role played by accretion onto supermassive black holes, across the cosmic epochs. This activity combines mulitwavelength observations of local and distant galaxies and quasars, obtained by exploiting many of the major observing facilities worldwide, together with theoretical models and state-of-the-art numerical cosmological simulations.
- GRAVITATIONAL WAVES: Gravitational-wave astronomy is a branch of astrophysics that aims to use gravitational waves to understand objects such as neutron stars and black holes, events such as supernovae, and processes including those of the early universe shortly after the Big Bang. Research at KICC is focused both on theoretical work aimed at predicting the gravitational wave signal from the various classes of sources and on developing the statistical tools for the detection and analysis of gravitational wave experiments such as LIGO. KICC is also heavily involved in the development of new gravitational waves experiments such as AION and LISA.
- EXOPLANETS: KICC has expanded its research interests to the search and characterisation of exoplanets, especially thanks to the collaboration with the Cambridge Exoplanet Research Centre, which is leading various observational and instrumentation projects. Activities specifically linked with the KICC focus on the observational characterisation of exoplanets as well as their host stars.
Galactic Mysteries Abound
Astrophysics Research Highlights
While ultra-numerous and there for the taking observationally, galaxies have so far resisted attempts to squarely and comprehensively describe their origins and behaviors
Apr 01, 2021
How to Appreciate Fleeting Celestial Events
Astrophysics Research Highlights
Knowing and grasping what's to come in the sky above can offer moments of wonder
Jan 06, 2021
Precision Cosmology
Astrophysics Profile
The nitty-gritty details right on the grandest of scales
Dec 22, 2020
Signed, Sealed, and Soon to be Delivered
Astrophysics Research Highlights
OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission, with contributions from Kavli researchers, is on its way to "mission accomplished"
Nov 20, 2020
Life Always Finds a Way . . . Even on Venus?
Astrophysics Research Highlights
In a shocking observation a gas classified as a biosignature has turned up in the skies of the nearest world to Earth
Oct 27, 2020
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