Within the Physics Department of the University of Cagliari, the research activity in the astrophysics field is conducted by: prof. Luciano Burderi, dr. Ciriaco Goddi, dr. Andrea Sanna and prof. Alessandro Riggio. The main themes of our research activity are the followings.

High Energy Astrophysics

High Energy Astrophysics and, in particular, the study of binary systems containing a compact object (weakly magnetized neutron star or a black hole) and radio pulsars. The research conducted in this field is mainly based on observations obtained with instruments placed aboard satellites for X and gamma astronomy and observations in the optical and radio bands from terrestrial observers. (Burderi, Sanna, Riggio)

High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites (HERMES)

Development and scientific validation of the HERMES (High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites) space mission for the observation of transient astrophysical phenomena in the high energy band (X and gamma rays). The six satellites of the HERMES constellation will be put into orbit in Q1 / 2024 (Burderi, Sanna, Riggio)

Event Horizon Telescope (EHT)

Study of supermassive black holes within the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project, which aims to understand the physics of black holes with interferometric radio observations and plasma imaging near their event horizon. The first historical images of black holes, the one at the center of the distant galaxy M87 and the one at the center of our Galaxy, Sagittarius A *, published respectively in 2019 and 2022 by the EHT collaboration, have provided the most compelling evidence so far obtained of the existence of supermassive black holes and have opened a new line of research on the study of black holes, their event horizon, and theories of gravitation. (Goddi)

The process of formation of massive stars with radio interferometry

Stars 10-50 times more massive than our Sun are essential in the ecology of the interstellar medium and in the evolution of galaxies, but their mechanism of formation is still uncertain. Radio interferometry is the only technique capable of obtaining very high angular resolution images of these star-forming regions at great distances. The research conducted in this field is mainly based on the calibration and analysis of radio interferometric data acquired with the most powerful radio telescopes in the world. (Goddi)