荔枝视频

What if the stars could tell the story of the universe? 

Thanks to new federal funding awarded to the 荔枝视频, a professor in the , is aiming to uncover hidden cosmic stories, such as the star formation history of the Andromeda Galaxy. 

Working with , India鈥檚 first dedicated space-astronomy satellite that observes the universe in both ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray wavelengths, Leahy, PhD, uses data from the satellite to understand galactic phenomena. 

鈥淭he satellite uses UV and X-ray because these wavelengths don鈥檛 penetrate our atmosphere," Leahy says. 

"So, the only way to observe them is from space.鈥�

Seeing what ground telescopes can鈥檛 

AstroSat鈥檚 ability to observe in both X-ray and ultraviolet light gives it an advantage over other satellites. 

Previous missions typically focused on one or the other, but AstroSat can observe the same object in multiple wavelengths at the same time, Leahy says. 

鈥淭hat means you can measure (phenomena) at the same time, rather than days or months apart.鈥�

Utilizing AstroSat, he looks at light or radiation that鈥檚 invisible to the eye. 

鈥淚 do that because we want to learn about objects in space and how they behave, (like) stars, neutron stars, black holes and (to) generally learn about the universe,鈥� explains Leahy. 

鈥淭he study of ultraviolet has been very illuminating because it鈥檚 helped unravel the star formation history of the Andromeda Galaxy, which is related to episodes of massive gas clouds falling into the galaxy in the past. It鈥檚 basically galactic archeology.鈥�

Funding that drives discovery 

The awarded U荔枝视频, University of Alberta and McGill University $136,000 to study astronomical phenomena using AstroSat. 

鈥淭hese strategic commitments will empower Canadian researchers with the tools and opportunities they need to develop world-class expertise, driving cutting-edge discoveries and technological breakthroughs right here at home,鈥� said the Honourable M茅lanie Joly, Minister of Industry, in the . 

For Leahy, this funding is extremely important. 鈥淚t allows me to work with colleagues and students and makes sure that I鈥檓 doing sensible work," he says.

This investment amplifies U荔枝视频鈥檚 role in international space research, says vice-president (research). 

鈥淚t allows our researchers and students to access world-class data, advance discoveries about the origins of our universe, and contribute to Canada鈥檚 global leadership in space science,鈥� Ghali says.