Groups

The Astronomy Research Group at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) is structured into three focused research subgroups. Together, they drive the advancement of astronomy, astrophysics, and space science through education, collaborative research, and community service.

Research Subgroups

1. Galaxies & Cosmology

This subgroup investigates the structure, dynamics, distribution, and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters, including active galaxies such as quasars. Their research also covers the search for dark matter, studies of dark energy, theoretical cosmology, and observational cosmology.

2. Stellar Physics

Activities in this subgroup include theoretical modeling of stellar interiors and atmospheres; synthesis of light curves and spectra for various variable star types (close binaries, pulsating stars, accretion disks); observational work such as photometry, spectroscopy, orbit calculations of visual binaries, and polarimetry of Herbig Ae stars; development of CCD-based instrumentation, automated data acquisition and storage systems, and algorithms for digital stellar spectral classification.

3. Solar System Studies

Core research topics include solar physics, such as sunspot dynamics, energetic particles, and the sun–Earth connection; near-Earth asteroid studies: dynamics, evolution, and threat assessment; planetary atmospheres, with a particular focus on Mars and Titan; research on exoplanets in and beyond our solar system.

Research Road Map

The Astronomy Research Group’s work follows an overarching roadmap that includes:

• Studying the physical properties, structure, and evolution of celestial systems—from Earth–Moon–Sun through planetary, stellar, galactic, and cosmological scales
• Strategic problem identification and solution development, including modeling and tool creation for broader applications and global collaborations
• Modernizing astronomy research and education infrastructure in Indonesia through facility development and academic networking

Team & Activities

• Membership: The Research Group consists of 20 members, each conducting individual or collaborative research in alignment with the research roadmap
• Outputs & Engagement: Members regularly publish in scientific journals and present at national and international conferences. They also serve as reviewers, moderators, and committee members. Beyond research, participation extends to community services such as eclipse outreach, event, science olympiad mentoring, hilal observation campaigns, and human resource training.

Key Research Areas & Themes

The astronomy group explores a wide range of topical areas, including but not limited to:

• Exoplanets (light curves, eclipsing binaries)
• Strong Gravitational Lensing (discovery, modeling, follow-up)
• Dark Matter & Cosmological Structure
• Solar Physics (solar activity, climatological effects)
• Galactic Astronomy & Milky Way Structure
• Stellar Physics & Interstellar Medium (variable stars, nebulae, emission lines)
• Planetary Science (asteroids, planetary nebulae, exoplanet atmospheres)
• Image Processing & Hilal Studies (photometry, pipeline processing)
• Theoretical Cosmology (dark energy models, perturbation theory)