Jack Hughes - professional activities

Related pages

• personal home page (research activities)
• departmental directory page (telephone number, email address, etc.)
• the departmental directory

Position

Professor

Group(s)

Astrophysics

Research summary

I study the X-ray properties, gravitational weak lensing, and Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect of clusters of galaxies. One goal of my research is to measure the expansion factor of the Universe, the so-called Hubble constant. This research also aims at understanding the origin, evolution, and nature of these systems, which are the largest dynamically organized structures known.

My research interests also include observational and theoretical studies of supernova remnants as probes of stellar and explosive nucleosynthesis, the nature of the interstellar medium, the physics of supersonic shock waves, and the formation and evolution of instabilities in supernova ejecta. I am also using X-ray observations of type Ia supernovae near maximum light to set limits on the circumstellar material and shed light on the nature of the progenitor.

Much of my research is done using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and XMM-Newton. I also am involved in the planning and development of new X-ray satellite missions such as Astro-E2 (scheduled for launch in February 2005) and the Constellation-X Facility (under study for a possible new start in 2004 or 2005).

Please refer to my personal home page for more detailed information.

Teaching activities

• Spring 2003, Ph 342, "Principles of Astrophysics" Information for students
• Fall 2002, Ph 275, "Classical Physics Lab" Information for students
• Spring 2002, Ph 301, "Physics of Sound" Information for students
• Fall 2001, Ph 275, "Classical Physics Lab" Information for students
• Spring 2001, Ph 612, "High Energy Astrophysics" Information for students
• Fall 2000, Ph 203, "General Physics" (course administrator) Information for students
• Spring 2000, on sabbatical
• Fall 1999, on sabbatical
• Spring 1999, Ph 110, "Astronomy and Cosmology" Information for students
• Fall 1998, Ph 109, "Astronomy and Cosmology" Information for students
• Spring 1998, Ph 110, "Astronomy and Cosmology" Information for students
• Fall 1997, Ph 109, "Astronomy and Cosmology" Information for students
• Spring 1997, Ph 690, Topics in Astrophysics "High Energy Astrophysics" Information for students

Administrative responsibilities

• Department (current): Building Committee (S2003), GSO Liaison (2002-2003), Physics Colloquium (F2002, chair)
• Department (past): Astronomy Seminar (S2001, F1997), Building Committee (1998-1999), Grad Studies and Life Committee (2001-2002, 2000-2001), GSO Liaison (2001-2002), Policy (2001-2002, 2000-2001), Physics Colloquium (S2001, F1997), Ph.D. Written Grading (1997-1998, S1997), Ph.D. Orals (S1997), Responsibility Committee (1998-1999, 1997-1998)
• Other Departmental Activities: Long Range Planning Committee (2000-2002), Chair Election Committee (S2001), Peer Evaluation Committee (elected, F2002), Astronomy Group Honcho (elected; S2002-current)
• Federal Govenment: Committee on International Space Programs, Space Studies Board, National Research Council (1998-2001), Constellation-X Facility Science Team Member (current), Astro-E2 International Science Working Group Member (current)

Revised December 28, 1998