The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics brings together a diverse set of 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.
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.
CTA scientists are engaged in a wide variety of projects. Some of these topics are listed below with links to more information.
Check out opportunities to join LANL's CTA
Transient light curves, compact mergers, supernovae, nucleosynthesis
Star and planet formation, orbital dynamics
Radiation-hydrodynamics, reaction networks
Black hole astrophysics, supernovae, numerical methods and algorithms
Gamma-ray bursts, their emission physics, and their use as cosmological tools
Gamma-ray astronomy, supernovae, Monte Carlo transport
Supernovae, computational methods, code development
Multimessenger astrophysics, gravitational wave observations, machine learning, data analysis
Stellar astrophysics, low Mach number hydrodynamics, nucleosynthesis,asteroseismology, numerical methods
Formation of molecular cloudes, stars and planets, MHD, radiation transport, HEDP
Theoretical atomic physics, radiative opacities, transient light curves
Charged particle transport, magnetic reconnection and turbulence, collisionless shocks, wave and particle interaction
Stellar Evolution, Astroseismology, Stellar Pulsations
nLTE opacities, radiation transport, HPC, heterogeneous computing
First Stars, Planets, Galaxies, Supernovae, and Black Holes
Supernovae, numerical methods, hydrodynamics, nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution
Neutron star mergers, r-process, hydrodynamics, HPC, general relativity
Numerical relativity, binary compact object mergers, numerical methods and algorithms, and HPC
Dust formation, supernovae, density functional theory
Numerical relativity, numerical methods, hydrodynamics
Nuclear physics, nucleosynthesis, beta-decay, fission
Black hole astrophysics, radiation transport, magnetohydrodynamics, numerical methods
Kinetic transport simulation, Nuclear astrophysics, hydrodynamics
Black Holes, X-ray Binaries, Accretion Disks, Outflows
Neutron Matter, chiral EFT, multimessenger astrophysics
Transient light curves, radiation transport methods
Laboratory astrophysics, high energy density physics
Stellar Hydrodynamics, Nuclear Astrophysics, Gravitational Waves
Compact binary mergers
The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics 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.
For more information on any of our activities or to inquire about opportunities to work with our team, please use the contact information below or contact the appropriate team member directly.