• Theoretische Astrophysik

Theoretical Astrophysics Group

In our group, we use high performance computing facilities to unravel the mysteries of the Universe. Due to the simulation of binary neutron star systems, we are able to constrain the behavior of matter at supranuclear densities and to estimate the expansion rate of the Universe. Our simulations are the fundament to develop new models to describe the gravitational wave signals released during the coalescence of compact binaries and to model electromagnetic signatures created during and after the collision of ultracompact neutron stars. 

Our group works closely together with the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics where Dietrich is leading an independent Max Planck Fellow group. 

Binary Neutron Star Merger Simulation

Numerical relativity simulation of the last few milliseconds of two inspiraling and merging neutron stars. Higher densities are shown in blue, lower densities are shown in cyan. The final black hole is shown in gray. 

Credits: - T. Dietrich (University of Potsdam), S. Ossokine, H. Pfeiffer, A. Buonanno (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics)

News

14th of March 2023

IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize

Successful start into 2023, Prof. Dietrich received the IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize for General Relativity and Gravitation for his essential contributions to developing gravitational-wave and electromagnetic models for binary neutron star systems and his important role and engagement within international scientific collaborations. Read more.

Furthermore, he also obtained a stipend from the Daimler and Benz Foundation and has been rewarded by academics.

22th of November 2022

ERC Starting Grant

T. Dietrich receives a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant worth 1.5 million euros for his research project “SMArt” (“From Subatomic to Cosmic Scales: Simulating, Modelling, and Analyzing Binary Neutron Star Mergers”). Read more.

1st of November 2022

Listen.UP

#26 - Prof. Dr. Tim Dietrich: Of neutron stars and gravitational waves Hear more about.

27th of October 2022

Portal Wissen - Two 2022 „Humans“

Gravitational waves had already been postulated by Albert Einstein in 1916. But he wasn’t sure: “If you ask me whether there are gravitational waves or not, I must answer that I do not know. But it is a highly interesting problem.” Tim Dietrich know: "We’re looking at objects in the universe that have to be described in terms of Einstein’s theory of relativity, especially compact objects like neutron stars and black holes.”Read more about.

6th of October 2022

Golden Spike

Announced at a conference highlighting scientific research using HLRS's supercomputer, the awards recognized three outstanding projects. Our Winners of the 2022 Golden Spike Awards: Anna Neuweiler. Congratulations. Read more about.