Stars, Planets, Compact Objects

The observatory has a long history of cataloging and observing stars. In recent years, stellar activity has been a mainstay of research at the observatory, which innately encompasses the study of extrasolar planets.

Interpretation of observational data is impossible without an accordingly precise theoretical model. We develop the PHOENIX atmosphere code in order to deliver highly detailed and reliable models for stars all across the HRD, planets, novae, and supernovae.

Professors Banerjee, Brüggen, and Liske are principal investigators in the QU cluster of excellence. Their team members participate in the research program of the cluster.

With funds from the QU cluster of excellence, a new group working on compact objects and their role as sources of gravitational waves will be hosted by the Observatory (anticipated in 2020).