High Energy Astrophysics Group

Group History

investigating the origin, structure, & evolution of the Universe

The High Energy Astrophysics Group, also known as the X-ray and Gamma-Ray Astronomy group, is part of the Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences at the University of California, San Diego in La Jolla, California.

The goal of the group is to investigate the origin, structure, and evolution of the Universe and objects within it through observations made in the X-ray and Gamma-ray wavelengths from high altitude balloons and orbiting spacecraft.

A major thrust in support of this goal is the continued advancement of state-of-the-art X-ray and Gamma-ray detectors through laboratory development and performance verification at balloon altitudes.

Another objective is the interpretation of observations of stars, galaxies, and other cosmic objects by satellite-borne X-ray and Gamma-ray instruments developed and operated by the group.

A third objective of the group is the training of young scientists and engineers in all aspects of astrophysical research, including instrument development, scientific analysis and interpretation of observations, mission development, and the fundamentals of astrophysics.