Our group carries out frontline research on observational astrophyics. In particular, we study black holes across the electromagnetic spectrum, the formation and growth. For this, we use frontline photometric and astrometric surveys to find new and hidden black holes, and study how they are growing. We also focus on rapid time-domain studies at multiple wavelengths, including sub-second transients and variables in the night sky.
Come join our team as a postdoc working on the frontline of searching for and characterising black hole binaries in the Milky Way. We have a 2+1 year postdoc position open (advert will go live in early 2021 Jan, deadline Feb 12). If you have an interest in black hole formation mechanisms and familiarity with Gaia/Chandra/other large surveys, we would love to hear from you.
Using astrometric excess noise, we select a sample of candidate accreting X-ray binaries, in a bid to enhance searches for these systems.
Using Gaia data along with other distance estimates and system characteristics, we find an interesting correlation connecting system location in the Galaxy and the orbital period of the binary, a possible manifestation of specific formation pathways.
ESA's Gaia satellite released a treasure trove of stellar astrometric data in April 2018. Our group was eagerly awaiting this, and we rapidly analysed and published a work on the distances and space velocities of Galactic black hole binaries. At least one immediate and huge surprise in there.
Our Global Challenge Research Fund project SITARE, funded by the STFC, just completed its first phase. With workshops across India/Nepal culminating in a UK camp, Masters' students were trained in quality education and carried out research/outreach projects. We are fostering future research stars ('sitare')!