Theory

The Theory Group will construct advanced 3D (magneto-)hydrodynamic simulations to uncover the physics driving explosive stellar phenomena. A suite of mathematical models will simulate supernova explosions from massive stars, along with complex interactions between stars and compact objects, such as white dwarfs and neutron stars, including their encounters with companion stars. These simulations will capture the full diversity of transients, including core-collapse and thermonuclear supernovae, magnetar-driven explosions, long and short gamma-ray bursts, and eruptive mass-loss events triggered by nuclear burning or thermonuclear instabilities.

Core researchers

• Prof Alexander Heger (Monash University) - Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis

• Prof Orsola De Marco (Macquarie University) - Stellar mergers

• A/Prof Bernhard Müller (Monash University) - Supernovae

• Prof Lilia Ferrario (Australian National University) - Computational mathematics, compact objects

• Prof Rowena Ball (Australian National University) - Dust formation

• Prof Jarrod Hurley (Swinburne University of Technology) - Population synthesis, double stars

Partner researchers

• Prof Stan Woosley (University of California, Santa Cruz) - Stellar evolution, supernovae, nuclear astrophysics

• Prof Norbert Langer (University of Bonn) - Stellar evolution, double stars

• Prof Fritz Röpke (Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical studies / University of Heidelberg) - Stellar merger, and Type Ia supernovae

• Prof Yanbei Chen (California Institute of Technology) - Gravitational wave detection

• A/Prof Takashi Moriya (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan) - Supernova light curves and spectra

Associate researchers

• Prof Brian Schmidt (Australian National University) - Supernova light curves and spectra

• Prof Dan Kasen  (University of California at Berkeley) - Supernova light curves and spectra, radiation transport

• Prof Wick Haxton (University of California at Berkeley) - Neutrino Physics, Nucleosynthesis

• Prof Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz (University of California, Santa Cruz) - Cosmic transients, tidal disruption events

• Prof Daniel Price (Monash University) - Tidal disruption events, PHANTOM code