Supernovae are the explosions of dying stars. But in their death they give clues to the size and fate of the universe. Source: Hubblesite.org
Our group is among the top few internationally in supernova research. Baron and Kilic are interested in the systematics of how supernovae explode and what kinds of stars lead to different supernovae. Baron studies the spectra of the expanding supernova atmosphere to determine physical conditions and chemical abundances in the ejecta. Kilic observes compact binary star systems that may lead to supernovae explosions. Some of these binary systems are among the strongest gravitational wave sources known. Dai studies the populations of gamma-ray bursts and their jet breaks. We have set up a “supernova spectrum repository” - a Web site at which any astronomer can view all of the supernova spectra that we gather from observers. This makes us the “headquarters” of supernova spectra.