Astrophysics

The astrophysics group study the formation of stars and planets, the evolution of single and binary stars, exploiting high-time resolution instrumentation. It also investigates the most energetic events in the Universe, including supernovae, active galaxies, and their impact on galaxy evolution.

PhD opportunities

We're currently advertising a number of PhD opportunities for students starting in September 2024. Visit our PhD opportunities webpage and select 'Astronomy and Astrophysics' under 'Research Group'.

Depiction of the tidal disruption event in F01004-2237. The release of gravitational energy as the debris of the star is accreted by the black hole leads to a flare in the optical light of the galaxy
Depiction of the tidal disruption event in F01004-2237. The release of gravitational energy as the debris of the star is accreted by the black hole leads to a flare in the optical light of the galaxy. Credit and copyright: Mark Garlick.
Active Galaxies, Quasars and Starbursts 
Artist’s impression of the dust disk and a forming planet around TW Hydrae
Artist’s impression of the dust disk and a forming planet around TW Hydrae. Credit: NAOJ
Star and Planet Formation 
The central region of the Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Credit: NASA, ESA, P Crowther
The central region of the Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Credit: NASA, ESA, P Crowther
Massive Stars 
Image from NASA. The Crab Nebula, a pulsar wind nebula associated with the 1054 supernova
Supernovae 
Professors Vik Dhillon and Dave Petley with other attendees standing in the GOTO dome on La Palma.
Professors Vik Dhillon and Dave Petley with other attendees standing in the GOTO dome on La Palma. Image courtesy of Antonio González/IAC.
Interacting Binaries and Instrumentation 

Our researchers

Find contact details and publication lists for members of the Astrophysics research group.

Group members

Job and fellowship opportunities

The Astrophysics group is always keen to host outstanding candidates holding independent research fellowships. 

Opportunities

Physics and Astronomy news

Read about the latest news within the Department of Physics and Astronomy on our 'news' pages. 

Find out more

Seminars
Astrophysics MSc

Sheffield astrophysicists on Deep Sky Videos

M79 - Its special bright star

Professors Paul Crowther and Vik Dhillon have appeared in a number of films for the astrophysics YouTube channel Deep Sky Videos. We've collected their appearances in this playlist.

Watch more DeepSkyVideos