Stellar Astrophysics

Our science group covers a wide range of topics related to stellar systems and stellar astrophysics. The topics include variable stars, binary stars and multiple star systems, stellar populations in our Galaxy and nearby galaxies. Our research is done through observations, both ground-based and space-based, and theoritical models.

In addition, we study the chemistry of the interstellar medium to understand the origin of its chemical complexity. The research is done through laboratory experiments and computational simulations.

Research Study Guideline

Asteroseismology

Study of stellar pulsation using the high-precision photometric (e.g. Kepler, TESS mission) and high-resolution spectroscopy. This study allows astronomers to understand the stellar properties and their interior structures at different evolution stages. Our objective is to study the A-F oscillating stars using data from ground-based and space telescopes.

Stellar populations

Our research group studies properties of the resolved stellar populations of stellar systems, such as globular clusters and nearby galaxies, to understand their evolution histories. We also incorporate machine learning methods into our research, for example, using machine learning to search for populations of variable stars and to identify extragalactic globular clusters.

Variable Stars

The study of eclipsing binary and variable stars allows astronomers to understand single stars' evolution. Also, to investigate the uncommon stars such as Blue stragglers, Fast rotating single stars, and Most massive stars, which are suspected to be the result of Binary mergers. Moreover, the explanations of the O’Connell effect or asymmetrical light curve of Contact binary and RS CVn are rarely discussed.

Astrochemistry

Our research team studies chemical processes under extreme conditions of the interstellar medium (grain-surface chemistry) through laboratory experiments and computational simulation. We are currently developing a setup to simulate the ultra-high vacuum and cold conditions for our research. Our goal is to understand the chemical processes that gave rise to the chemical complexity of the ISM.