Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) - Code 661
The Astrophysics Science Division conducts a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. Individual investigations address issues such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, which planets outside our solar system may harbor life, and the nature of space, time, and matter at the edges of black holes.
Observing photons, particles, and gravitational waves enables researchers to probe astrophysical objects and processes. Researchers develop theoretical models, design experiments and hardware to test theories, interpret and evaluate the data, archive and disseminate the data, provide expert user support to the scientific community, and publish conclusions drawn from research. The Division also conducts education and public outreach programs about its projects and missions.
The Astrophysics Science Division contains several laboratories and offices:
Astrophysics Science Labs
- Astroparticle Physics (661)
- X-ray Astrophysics (662)
- Gravitational Astrophysics (663)
- Observational Cosmology (665)
- ExoPlanets and Stellar Astrophysics (667)