Theoretical Astrophysics

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About

Theoretical Astrophysics Program

Theoretical Astrophysics Program

Theoretical Astrophysics Program

In 1985, the University of Arizona consolidated its traditional and long-standing strength in astronomy and planetary sciences through an interdisciplinary program in theoretical astrophysics that includes the departments of Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Sciences (LPL), and Applied Mathematics Departments, as well as the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. The Theoretical Astrophysics Program (TAP) administers a Monday colloquium series, graduate student research and recruitment prizes, a postdoctoral fellowship, and a visitor program.

Faculty

Theoretical Astrophysics Faculty

Erik Asphaug

Erik Asphaug

I specialize in planet formation resulting from pairwise collisions ('giant impacts') and the physics of low-gravity bodies such as comets, small satellites and asteroids. I also dabble in the evolution...

Joe Giacalone

Dr. Giacalone's core research interests include understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays, and other charged-particle species in the magnetic fields of space, and general topics in space...

Lon Hood

Senior Research Scientist

My research is currently focused on two interdisciplinary areas: (1) Coupling between the Earth's stratosphere and troposphere; and (2) mapping and interpretation of planetary crustal magnetic fields. The stratosphere /...

William Hubbard

Professor Emeritus

Dr. Hubbard's research focuses on studies of the structure and evolution of Jupiter, Saturn, and extrasolar giant planets (EGPs). Originally as a Co-Investigator with the proposed INSIDE Jupiter orbiter and...

Kristopher Klein

Assistant Professor

Dr. Klein's research focuses on studying fundamental plasma phenomena that governs the dynamics of systems within our heliosphere as well as more distant astrophysical bodies. He has particular interest in...

Jozsef Kota

Senior Research Scientist (Retired)

Dr. Kota's research interest is centered around energetic particles, solar wind, and magnetic fields in the Heliosphere. He conducts theoretical and numerical studies on galactic and anomalous cosmic rays, as...

Renu Malhotra

Regents' Professor, Louise Foucar Marshall Science Research Professor

Professor Malhotra's research spans orbital dynamics in the solar system and in exo-solar planetary systems. Current topics of research are: the orbital migration history of the giant planets, chaos and...

Isamu Matsuyama

Associate Professor

Dr. Matsuyama is interested in the physics of planetary interiors and evolution, with an emphasis on understanding the processes that led to the extraordinary diversity of the solar system. He...

Adam Showman

Adam Showman

Dr. Showman investigates the dynamics and evolution of planetary atmospheres and interiors. His atmospheric research currently focuses on giant planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and the hundreds of giant planets that...

Timothy Swindle

Director, Department Head

Dr. Swindle uses measurements of the noble gases in extraterrestrial materials (lunar samples and meteorites) to study the evolution of the solar system. His research projects include using 40Ar-39Ar dating...

Other Researchers

Other Researchers Working in Theoretical Astrophysics

Xiaohang Chen

Xiaohang Chen

PTYS Graduate Student

Federico Fraschetti

Associate Staff Scientist

Theoretical astrophysicist with broad interests in the problem of acceleration and transport of charge particles in turbulent media, namely origin of cosmic-rays. Interests span from space physics (modelling of particle...

Hamish Hay

PTYS Graduate Student

Kathryn Volk

Associate Staff Scientist

Kuiper belt objects, planetary dynamics, exoplanets

Jess Vriesema

PTYS Graduate Student