About us | Research
Astronomy aims to deepen our understanding of nature we live in by using physics to describe various phenomena in the universe. In our department, staff, researchers and graduate students collaborate to conduct cutting-edge research mainly in the following fields. Each group is not entirely separate, and some research topics are related to multiple groups. Click on the names of the members with underlines for more detailed research introductions.
Solar Physics
Instructors: Ayumi Asai、Satoru Ueno、Shin’ichi Nagata
Our research focuses on the structure of the solar atmosphere and various solar activity phenomena. The primary observational instruments are the 60 cm Domeless Solar Telescope and the Solar Magnetic Activity Telescope at the Hida Observatory, part of the Graduate School of Science. Using high-resolution observations from these instruments, we study oscillatory phenomena in the outer solar atmosphere, fine magnetic field structures, chromospheric and coronal heating, and the mechanisms of energy storage, release, and transport in solar activity events, such as solar flares. These studies form the foundation for understanding magnetic plasma phenomena in stars and galaxies. In recent years, we have also advanced collaborative observational and analytical efforts with the Hinode satellite, NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), and ultraviolet solar observation satellites, as well as solar telescopes operated by NAOJ and international institutions.
Astronomical Plasma Physics
Instructors: Takaaki Yokoyama、Daisaku Nogami
Our research explores magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) magnetic plasma activities in space using both theoretical simulations and observational data analysis. The range of astrophysical phenomena studied is extensive, including explosive events such as stellar superflares and solar flares, the formation and dynamics of high-temperature plasmas like the solar corona, solar wind, and jets, as well as the magnetic flux generation and dynamo processes in the Sun and other stars. Additionally, the scope extends to MHD phenomena in star-forming regions, accretion disks around galactic nuclei, and electromagnetic phenomena in galaxies and galaxy clusters. This comprehensive approach aims to deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes driving plasma activity in the universe.
Stellar Astronomy
Instructors: Yoshihiro Ueda、Daisaku Nogami、Bun’ei Sato、Taichi Kato、Katsuhiro Murata、Keisuke Isogai
Our research focuses on accretion flows and jets around compact objects such as black holes, as well as stellar activity phenomena in a broad sense, including supernovae and stellar superflares, based primarily on observations in X-ray, optical, and infrared wavelengths. Additionally, studies of exoplanets are conducted, along with investigations into the structure of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes, often in collaboration with other fields. The research utilizes data from X-ray astronomy satellites such as XRISM, Chandra, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR. For optical observations, key facilities include the Subaru Telescope at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) in Hawaii, the 3.8-meter Seimei Telescope in Okayama, and the 40 cm telescope located on the rooftop of the Graduate School of Science Building 4.
Galactic Astrophysics
Instructors: Kouji Ohta、Fumihide Iwamuro、Mikio Kurita、Masaru Kino、Masaaki Otsuka、Kodai Yamamoto
Our research focuses on the physical state of interstellar gas and the process of star formation in the Milky Way and other galaxies, as well as the structure of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Observations are conducted using domestic and international optical and infrared telescopes, including the 3.8-meter Seimei Telescope in Okayama. The team also promotes spectroscopic monitoring of quasars and exoplanet exploration. Additionally, active efforts are made in the technical development of the Seimei Telescope at the Okayama Observatory, part of the Graduate School of Science, as well as in the development of its observational instruments and research on optical measurements and optical elements.
Theoretical Astrophysics
Instructors: Keiichi Maeda、Shiu-Hang Lee、Yui Kawashima、Takanori Sasaki、Lucy Mcneill
Our research aims to elucidate astrophysical phenomena that remain unexplained through theoretical considerations, model construction, and simulations, as well as by drawing new insights from comparisons with observational data. Students are free to choose their research themes from across the broad spectrum of astronomy and astrophysics. The areas primarily covered by the faculty include supernovae and supernova remnants, neutron stars, black holes, cosmic ray physics, cosmic (fluid) dynamics, interstellar physics, stellar evolution, planet and satellite system formation, planetary science, and exoplanet atmospheres.