Non-Thermal Astrophysics
Division Prof. Dr. Jim HintonResearch in the division covers two main areas:
- high-energy astrophysics exploring the sources and acceleration processes of high-energy particles in the Universe, and
- probing particle physics beyond the Standard Model.
Our high energy astrophysics research is based primarily on ground-based gamma-ray astronomy using atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes and dense particle detector arrays to measure gamma rays emitted by high-energy particles in our Galaxy and beyond. The division has contributed major elements of the hardware of the H.E.S.S. Cherenkov telescopes and the HAWC high-energy extension, and plays a significant role in preparing the next generation Cherenkov Telescope Array - CTA. The group is also heavily engaged with research and development towards the Southern Wide-field-of-view Gamma-ray Observatory – SWGO. Associated research groups cover the theory and phenomenology of high energy astrophysics, plasma astrophysics and infrared astrophysics.
Exploring the properties of neutrinos, and in particular the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay, is another major activity of the division. We play a leading role in the LEGEND project at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory, following up on the success of its predecessor GERDA.
In the area of accelerator-based particle physics projects we are members of the LHCb collaboration, focusing on the study of heavy-quark production and decays, with emphasis on the phase space relevant to both particle physics and cosmic-ray physics.
Associated research activities
- Max Planck Research Group Astrophysical Plasma Theory (Brian Reville)
- High-Energy Astrophysics Theory (Felix Aharonian)
- Infrared Astrophysics (Richard Tuffs)
- Director emeritus Werner Hofmann
- Director emeritus Heinrich J. Völk
- Relativistic Astrophysics (Heisenberg Fellow Frank Rieger, MPIK&ITA University of Heidelberg)
News
H.E.S.S. collaboration detects the most energetic cosmic-ray electrons and positrons ever observed
The Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO) enters new planning phase
From 10-13th September, more than 70 scientists from 12 countries gathered at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik (MPIK) in Heidelberg to discuss…