SLAC topics

Astrophysics and cosmology RSS feed

SLAC’s astrophysicists and cosmologists pursue top-priority research on topics including dark matter and dark energy, the formation of galaxies and cosmic evolution. 

Related link:
Astrophysics and cosmology

Dwarf Galaxy 3.

News Feature

Their work uses machine learning to transform the way scientists tune particle accelerators for experiments and solve longstanding mysteries in astrophysics and cosmology.

Portraits of Auralee Edelen and Kimmy Wu
News Feature

Researchers developed a way to measure the basic properties of matter at the highest pressures thus far achieved in a controlled laboratory experiment.

White dwarf
News Feature

Observations of dwarf galaxies around the Milky Way have yielded simultaneous constraints on three popular theories of dark matter.

simulations of distribution of dark matter around a galaxy
News Feature

New research could offer insights into the formation of planets like Earth and inform the design of more resilient materials.

Iron impact header
News Feature

It could offer insights into the evolution of planetary systems and guide scientists hoping to harness nuclear fusion as a new source of energy.

Scattered photons
News Feature

In experiments at the National Ignition Facility, a SLAC-led team found new details about how supernovas boost charged particles to nearly the speed of...

A computer simulation of the turbulent magnetic fields in two plasma shock waves, which were created in the lab to mimic astrophysical shocks.
News Feature

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, which will map millions of galaxies in 3D from a mountaintop in Arizona, has reached its final milestone toward...

Mayall Telescope Star Trails

Blandford’s major contributions range from energetic jets ripping forth from colossal black holes to cosmic “magnifying” glasses to gravitational waves.

Roger Blandford
News Feature

Physicists at SLAC and Stanford propose that the influence of cosmic rays on early life may explain nature’s preference for a uniform “handedness” among...

Chirality graphic
News Feature

Learning how liquid silicates behave at these extreme temperatures and pressures has been a longstanding challenge in the geosciences.

atomic arrangements of liquid silicates at the extreme conditions found in the core-mantle boundary.
News Feature

The SLAC/Stanford scientists are among 120 new members of an organization that advises the nation on science and technology issues.

NAS 2020
News Feature

Just like we orbit the sun and the moon orbits us, the Milky Way has satellite galaxies with their own satellites. Drawing from data...

Dark matter forms into clumps, where galaxies and satellite galaxies form.