ASGARD Group


We study magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and radiative transfer (RT) problems to understand how gas moves in and around galaxies. Our work connects theory, simulations, and observations to probe the physics of turbulent, magnetised interstellar gas, galactic inflows and outflows, and the multi-phase circumgalactic and intracluster medium. We aim to predict observable signatures across wavelengths and develop methods to compare models directly to data.

Latest News

Numerical/Theoretical Journal Club started!

We have started a weekly Numerical/Theoretical Journal Club, organized by Caitlin Doughty and Fernando Hidalgo-Pineda. The club meets every Monday, 14:00–14:30 in the library lounge of ARI. Sessions are informal; everyone is welcome.

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About

ASGARD (Astrophysical Gas & Radiation Dynamics) is based at the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut (ARI), Zentrum für Astronomie (ZAH), Heidelberg University.

This group investigates the complex interplay of gas dynamics and radiative processes that shape galaxy formation and evolution. We employ high-performance computing and analytical theory to study these fundamental astrophysical phenomena.

Research focuses on

  • Radiative Processes & Transfer: modeling resonant line transfer (e.g., Lyman-alpha), ionizing photon escape, and photon–gas interactions to connect theory with observations—particularly those of high-redshift galaxies and their surroundings, as well as the Epoch of Reionization.
  • (Magneto-)Hydrodynamics: exploring the dynamics of multiphase gas across diverse astrophysical environments, including the interstellar, circumgalactic, and intracluster medium (ISM, CGM, ICM). We also investigate the broader galactic ecosystem (e.g., galactic winds and fountain flows).
  • High-Performance Computing: developing and applying novel numerical methods to model multiscale processes in galaxy formation with high fidelity.

By integrating theoretical insights with computational models and observational data, we aim to advance the understanding of the physical mechanisms governing galaxies and their gaseous environments across cosmic time.

Check out our past or open projects. See our Publications and Projects.

Caitlin Doughty
Caitlin Doughty
Ritali Ghosh
Ritali Ghosh
Gitanjali Gitanjali
Gitanjali Gitanjali
Max Gronke
Max Gronke
Rafael Zavala Molina
Rafael Zavala Molina
Silvia Almada Monter
Silvia Almada Monter
Fernando Hidalgo Pineda
Fernando Hidalgo Pineda
Benedikt Seidl
Benedikt Seidl
Ole Wittig
Ole Wittig

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ERC funding

This project received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 101165038).