• Black Hole Accetion

    BLACK HOLE ACCRETION

    General relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamics.

  • Type Ia Supernovae

    TYPE IA SUPERNOVAE

    High resolution models of turbulent flames.

  • Stellar Astrophysics

    STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS

    Turbulence in massive stars.

  • Core-Collapse Supernovae

    CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVAE

    State-of-the-art neutrino radiation hydrodynamics.

  • cosmology

    COSMOLOGY

    Large-scale structure, star formation, and supermassive black hole growth.

  • Compact Object Mergers

    COMPACT OBJECT MERGERS

    SPH simulations of binary mergers.

  • Plasma Astrophysics

    PLASMA ASTROPHYSICS

    Particle-in-cell simulations of reconnection.

ABOUT

The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics brings together scientists from across Los Alamos National Laboratory to study a wide variety of topics at the forefront of astrophysical research. We are committed to building and maintaining a supportive experience for all who participate, as reflected in our Statement of Values.

SUMMARY

Scientists within the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics collaborate internally and externally on a broad range of topics. Our diverse expertise and the collaborative environment we maintain allow us to tackle the most challenging problems at the forefront of theoretical and computational astrophysics.

With more than 50 active astrophysicists, Los Alamos National Laboratory is an exciting place to carry out astrophysical research. Though these scientists are spread broadly among organizations at LANL, the CTA establishes a community within which we organize and share projects. Members of the CTA also extensively collaborate with other laboratory institutions including: The Center for Space and Earth Science, The Center for Nonlinear Studies, and The Information Science and Technology Institute.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is located in beautiful Northern New Mexico about a 40 minute drive northwest of Santa Fe. The area has outstanding opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.

RESEARCH

CTA scientists are engaged in a wide variety of projects. Some of these topics are listed below with links to more information. CTA members are encouraged to include the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics affiliation in their research publications, in addition to their LANL group affiliation. Please use:

Center for Theoretical Astrophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA

Publications

  • Active Galactic Nuclei
  • Evolution of massive black holes, studying both radiation and magneto-hydrodynamic effects
  • Computational Astrophysics
  • We develop and apply state-of-the-art methods and codes to tackle some of the most complex problems in astrophysics
  • Cosmic rays
  • Generation and propagation of cosmic rays from gamma-ray bursts and supernovae. Ties to a number of missions (e.g., HAWC, NuSTAR)
  • Cosmology and the first stars
  • Cosmology calculations using a broad range of tools (e.g., ENZO and Gadget), focused on studying the formation of the first stars and black holes
  • Engines behind transients
  • Thermonuclear and core-collapse supernovae, gamma-ray burst, and x-ray burst engines
  • Emission for transients
  • Modeling spectra and light-curves, radiation-hydrodynamics effects, atomic physics.
  • Experimental astrophysics
  • Many of the fields leverage laboratory experiments in plasma physics, turbulence, radiation transport, nuclear, and atomic physics
  • Nuclear astrophysics
  • Understanding the behavior of matter and nuclear densities and applying these effects (neutrinos, equations of state) to supernova models
  • Nucleosynthesis
  • Yields from stars and supernovae, nuclear cross-sections (tying to experiment), galactic chemical evolution
  • Star and planet formation
  • Formation of the solar system, extra-solar planets
  • Stellar Astrophysics
  • Structure, evolution, nucleosynthesis and hydrodynamics of stars
  • Supernova remnants
  • Following the engine through the remnant phase, effects of NLTE opacities, and magneto-hydrodynamics

OUTREACH

  • Outreach efforts
  • Members of the CTA are extremely active in outreach, both locally and in surrounding communities. Check out our Outreach Page for more info.

OPPORTUNITIES

CTA offers opportunities for current LANL staff and students, as well as for those interested in joining Los Alamos National Laboratory.

  • Current LANL staff and students are welcome to join us at our weekly CTA meetings. The meetings take place at 9am most Fridays in the CNLS Conference Room (03-1690-102). Check our upcoming events on our Schedule and Events Page, and to join our mail list and Teams group, please contact one of the meeting organizers: Alexander Kaltenborn , Makana Silva , or Wes Even .
  • CTA Postdoc
  • The CTA accepts applications for postdoctoral positions year round. We seek candidates with interests and experience in computational physics/astrophysics, broadly defined, who will excel at carrying out research independently and in collaboration with members of the CTA. APPLY
  • LANL Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs
  • The laboratory sponsors a number of laboratory wide fellowships and subject specific fellowships to which postdoctoral candidates may apply.
  • LANL Summer Schools
  • The laboratory sponsors a multiple summer schools on varoius topics related to computational physics and astronomy.
  • CTA Research Students
  • The CTA sponsors student researchers to visit LANL at all levels: high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and post-masters. The vast majority of students are at LANL during the summer and the CTA typically supports 20-30 students during the summer. Additionally there are also opportunities for longer-term appointments, up to 2 years, in the CTA for post-baccalaureate, post-masters, and graduate students. The ideal time to apply for a summer appointment is November or December. To view profiles of our current students click here.

Additional LANL resources

Benefits, Student Programs , Student Employment Information

PEOPLE

CTA brings together staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and students working on theoretical and computational astrophysics across Los Alamos National Laboratory.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Staff members make of up the bulk of CTA, providing expertise and guidance on research topics. Explore the full roster and leadership on the CTA Members page.

POSTDOC SPOTLIGHT

Postdoctoral researchers play a central role in CTA's research, leading and collaborating on projects across a wide range of astrophysical topics. See all current and former postdocs on the CTA Postdocs page.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

CTA hosts high-school, undergraduate, and graduate students through Los Alamos National Laboratory's student programs. Each year, students join us to work on research projects in theoretical and computational astrophysics. See more about student participation and profiles on the CTA Students page.

More about CTA people: