Our group has strong interests in the study of accretion onto white dwarfs, accreting neutron stars in high mass X-ray binaries, computational stellar astrophysics, image- and time-domain radio transients and pulsar astrophysics.
Accretion physics in compact stellar binaries
The study of accretion onto compact stellar remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes), accretion and outflow in Cataclysmic variables, ultracompact helium binaries, and Be X-ray binaries. We study these systems using radio observations from the ThunderKAT Large Survey Project and many Open Time and Director’s Discretionary Time projects.
Compact object and donor star interaction
We use multi-wavelength datasets to investigate the compact object and donor star interaction. The two main subclasses of high-mass X-ray binaries studied are Be X-ray binaries and gamma-ray binaries.
Origin of multi-wavelength emission in gamma-ray binaries
A majority of the key questions arising from studies of gamma-ray binaries revolve around the uncertainty in the nature of the compact object in these systems. Through optical spectroscopy, our group is involved in using radial velocity studies to determine dynamical masses of compact objects, and therefore constrain their nature.
Radio transients and variables
Both continuum imaging and timing observations with MeerKAT have revealed a number of strange and unusual radio transients and variables. Through the commensal transient searches with ThunderKAT we aim to study and characterise the transient and variable radio sky.
Pulsar astronomy
Searching for new pulsars as part of the TRAPUM team and making precision pulsar timing measurements as part of the MeerTIME team. The Large Magellanic Cloud is a particular focus location for UCT-led pulsar searches.
Galactic Composition and Stellar Evolution
The study of the composition and structure of the Milky Way and other nearby galaxies, Galactic and extragalactic distance indicators, and the study of mass-loss and dust formation in evolved stars.
Staff members involved in this research area:
Dr David Buckley
Prof. Rob Fender
Dr Marisa Geyer
Prof. Paul Groot
Dr Vanessa McBride
Dr Itumeleng Monageng
Prof. Patricia Whitelock
Prof. Patrick Woudt