Understanding the formation of stars together with their subsequent evolution and identifying the physical processes that govern the dynamics of the interstellar medium (ISM) are central research themes in astronomy and astrophysics
Knowledge of stellar birth is a prerequisite for deeper insights into the assembly of planets and planetary systems and for the search of our own origins. Stars and star clusters are fundamental building blocks of the galaxies we observe.
Understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, their chemical enrichment history, and their observational properties throughout the cosmic ages are key research areas in extragalactic astronomy and cosmology that also depend on a deep understanding of ISM physics.
Research activities of Prof. Ralf Klessen
Shedding light on the fundamental physical processes that control the formation and evolution of stars at different cosmic epochs and identifying and characterizing the various feedback loops that link these to their global environment are the focal points of Prof. Klessen’s research activities. Since his appointment as professor for theoretical astrophysics at Heidelberg University in 2006, he has built up an active and productive research team in numerical astrophysics with a strong focus on star formation and ISM physics in the present day as well as in the early universe.
Scientific interests include gas dynamical instabilities and the microphysics of dust, formation and evolution of galaxies such as the Milky Way, astrophysical turbulence, magnetic fields and dynamo processes, stellar dynamics, design and optimization of numerical algorithms in computational astrophysics, as well as development and application of modern machine learning methods.
Training and mentoring
Researchers in the group receive training in an extremely exciting and rapidly evolving field of modern research. Understanding stellar birth and interstellar medium (ISM) dynamics is key to answering many of the most pressing open questions in astronomy and astrophysics.
Members of the group also gain valuable experience by working with cutting-edge computer technology and by using state-of-the-art analysis algorithms, including highly versatile methods of artificial intelligence. These are not only important assets for a successful career in academia, but are also beneficial for a position in industry or public services.
Academic environment
The Prof. Klessen’s research group is located at the Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, which is part of the Center for Astronomy at Heidelberg University. The university was founded in 1386 and is amongst the leading academic institutions in Europe, with particular strength in the field of physics and astronomy.
The Center for Astronomy at Heidelberg University is one of the largest university facility for astronomical and astrophysical research in Germany, covering a wide range of topics in modern astronomy, ranging from star formation to galaxy formation, from planet detection and classification to cosmology, or from instrument development to computational astrophysics, to name just a few.
For further details on the scientific activities in the Star Formation and ISM Dynamics Group, see www.klessen.org.
