AstroSat: Calgary scientists tapped by space agency to help decode galactic phenomena

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

Thanks to new federal funding awarded to the University of Calgary, Dr. Denis Leahy, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is aiming to uncover hidden cosmic stories, such as the star formation history of the Andromeda Galaxy. 

Working with AstroSat, India’s 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. 

“The satellite uses UV and X-ray because these wavelengths don’t penetrate our atmosphere," Leahy says. 

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

Seeing what ground telescopes can’t 

AstroSat’s 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. 

“That means you can measure (phenomena) at the same time, rather than days or months apart.”

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

“I 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,” explains Leahy. 

“The study of ultraviolet has been very illuminating because it’s 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’s basically galactic archeology.”

Funding that drives discovery 

The Canadian Space Agency awarded UCalgary, University of Alberta and McGill University $136,000 to study astronomical phenomena using AstroSat. 

“These 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,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, in the August announcement. 

For Leahy, this funding is extremely important. “It allows me to work with colleagues and students and makes sure that I’m doing sensible work," he says.

This investment amplifies UCalgary’s role in international space research, says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). 

“It allows our researchers and students to access world-class data, advance discoveries about the origins of our universe, and contribute to Canada’s global leadership in space science,” Ghali says.