About the project
This project tackles one of the biggest questions in astrophysics: the nature of dark energy. Using new datasets from the Rubin Observatory, you will analyse tens of thousands of supernovae, develop expertise in data analysis and machine learning, and work at the forefront of international astrophysics.
Type Ia supernovae, thermonuclear explosions of white dwarf stars, are astronomers’ best tool to measure distances in the universe and trace its expansion across cosmic time. They were central to the discovery of cosmic acceleration and dark energy. There are now hints from several analyses that dark energy may evolve, challenging the assumption of Einstein’s cosmological constant, the leading theory for its nature.
The project will test this possibility using new samples of type Ia supernovae from the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) and the Time Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES) on 4MOST. Both surveys have just started taking data and will discover and measure tens of thousands of distant supernovae and the galaxies in which they explode, samples 50 times larger than those available today.
This project will provide immediate access to the incoming data, placing you at the forefront as the supernova datasets are assembled. You will pioneer the use of photometric techniques to classify the supernovae and estimate their redshifts, and use the sample to investigate fundamental unknowns in supernova physics: their progenitor systems and links to the stars and dust in their host galaxies. By disentangling how factors such as age and metallicity affect supernova luminosities, and thus inferred distances, the project will underpin future state-of-the-art measurements of dark energy.
You'll be among the first to explore these datasets. You'll gain advanced skills in the analysis of large datasets, statistical modelling, machine learning and AI, alongside exposure to international teamwork and experience in scientific communication, preparing you for careers in astrophysics or any technology-driven or data science industry.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
