University of Amsterdam
Dr Jason Hessels has been appointed professor of Observational High-Energy Astrophysics, in particular Radio Astronomy at the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).
Jason Hessels (Photo: ASTRON)
Hessels’ research focuses on using large radio telescopes to explore the astrophysics of some of the most energetic objects and phenomena in the Universe. Astronomical observations conducted using radio waves and radio telescopes (Radio Astronomy) play a critical role in the study of transient astrophysical phenomena (short-lived and often extremely energetic astrophysical events). Thanks to cutting-edge radio telescopes like the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), the field of radio astronomy has entered a new golden age in which the exploration of transient radio phenomena is a key scientific driver. Also called Time Domain Astronomy, the study of how astronomical sources change in brightness – sometimes within milliseconds or less – is a powerful