Massive black holes in the hearts of galaxies. This research will create new insights into the extreme physics of supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies. Using new instrumentation and analysis techniques to measure the polarisation and variability of their radiation, we will develop models for the infall of gas, the structures surrounding black holes and the merger of massive black holes over cosmic time. The new observing modes that we will develop will provide stepping stones to ....Massive black holes in the hearts of galaxies. This research will create new insights into the extreme physics of supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies. Using new instrumentation and analysis techniques to measure the polarisation and variability of their radiation, we will develop models for the infall of gas, the structures surrounding black holes and the merger of massive black holes over cosmic time. The new observing modes that we will develop will provide stepping stones toward the Square Kilometre Array, a multi-billion dollar project from which Australia stands to reap enormous scientific and economic benefit. The major advances that we will deliver will boost Australia's already outstanding track record as a world leader in astronomical discovery.
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The Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Magnetism. This research will significantly advance our understanding of structure and evolution in the Universe, in keeping with Australia's outstanding track record of astronomical discovery. This program will also train students and build research capacity in the frontier area of X-ray astronomy, in which Australia currently has limited expertise. The instrumentation and techniques to be developed will lead to innovative transfers of technology to fields su ....The Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Magnetism. This research will significantly advance our understanding of structure and evolution in the Universe, in keeping with Australia's outstanding track record of astronomical discovery. This program will also train students and build research capacity in the frontier area of X-ray astronomy, in which Australia currently has limited expertise. The instrumentation and techniques to be developed will lead to innovative transfers of technology to fields such as telecommunications and medical imaging. These new facilities will also serve as vital stepping stones to the Square Kilometre Array, a billion-dollar international project which promises enormous economic, engineering and scientific opportunities for Australia.Read moreRead less
Snap, Crackle, Pop: Opening the Window on the Variable Radio Universe. Time variability is a frontier of discovery in astronomy. We will conduct a comprehensive set of surveys with new radio telescopes and instruments in order to build a full census of bursts, pulses, and flickers in the radio sky. Coupled with rapid follow up observations in the optical, X-ray and gamma-ray bands, these surveys will allow us to probe fundamental physics behind violent and unpredictable behaviour in the Universe ....Snap, Crackle, Pop: Opening the Window on the Variable Radio Universe. Time variability is a frontier of discovery in astronomy. We will conduct a comprehensive set of surveys with new radio telescopes and instruments in order to build a full census of bursts, pulses, and flickers in the radio sky. Coupled with rapid follow up observations in the optical, X-ray and gamma-ray bands, these surveys will allow us to probe fundamental physics behind violent and unpredictable behaviour in the Universe. Our techniques, pipelines, and algorithms will serve as stepping stones for future experiments, and will also have wide applicability to searches for weak signals in noisy data in areas including physics, ecology, medical science, and economics.Read moreRead less