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Obserwatorium Astronomiczne im. Mikołaja Kopernika - Wydział Fizyki, Astronomii i Informatyki Stosowanej

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Faculty of Physics, Astronomy
and Applied Computer Science

Frank Wilczek Prize

Research conducted at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Observatory

The Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University (OA UJ) conducts a wide range of research in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Scientific activity is carried out within several departments, each focusing on specific research areas:

  • learning about the processes of stellar evolution based on observations of physically variable stars and eclipsing stars,
  • research on comet nuclei, including comets and asteroids originating from outside the Solar System,
  • studies on the evolution of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the Universe,
  • research on the spectroscopic properties and dynamics of radio-galaxies, including the mechanism of multiple radio activity of active galaxies.

  • research on various mathematical formulations of gravitational physics and their applications in relativistic astrophysics,
  • relativistic theory of the formation of structures (clusters of matter) in the early Universe,
  • applications of gravitational lensing in cosmology,
  • chaotic and critical phenomena in the general theory of relativity,
  • applications of computer algebra systems in the General Theory of Relativity and relativistic astrophysics.

  • contemporary astronomy of the highest energy gamma rays – the world projects High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), and Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT),
  • research on the astrophysics of accretion disks and relativistic jets,
  • cosmological evolution of supermassive black holes and active galaxies,
  • heliophysics – research on the Sun, including coronal ejections of matter,
  • research on geophysical phenomena and the influence of the heliosphere on the Earth using measurements of extremely low frequency electromagnetic waves (ELF),
  • theory of acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays at high energies.

  • studies of the properties of magnetic fields in galaxies, in groups and galactic clusters conducted using the largest radio interferometers (JVLA, LOFAR, GMRT, WSRT, ATCA) and space observatories (XMM-Newton, Herschel),
  • computer modeling of the evolution of cosmic magnetic fields and gravitational interactions between galaxies,
  • determination of the cosmological evolution of radio spectra and star-forming properties of galaxies,
  • studies of the morphology of blazars and determination of the properties of giant radio sources,
  • explanation of the multi-range variability of blazars on scales from minutes to decades,
  • determination of the properties of the interstellar medium by studying the effects of propagation of radio signals coming from pulsars,
  • participation in a number of international studies as part of the implementation of the International LOFAR Telescope project.
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In addition, scientists at the Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University (OA UJ) are involved in innovative projects, such as the HYADES space mission, aimed at building a telescope to observe hydrogen and deuterium around small bodies in the Solar System. One of the mission’s goals is to determine the origin of water on Earth and to search for previously unknown reservoirs of water in space.

The Observatory is also engaged in long-term meteorological observations, conducted continuously since 1792, which represent a valuable contribution to climate research.

Thanks to collaboration with numerous research institutions in Poland and abroad, OA UJ utilizes a wide range of instruments and satellite observations, enabling research at the highest international level.

More information can be found on the Astronomical Observatory's website.