INDUSTRY

A supercomputer that has revolutionized aspects of astronomy in the UK is marking the publication of the 100th scientific paper based on its computations. The UKAFF supercomputer based at the University of Leicester has dispelled mysteries of distant galaxies thanks to its advanced features. UKAFF is a national supercomputing facility dedicated to theoretical astrophysics and is housed in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Leicester. The 112-processor IBM supercomputer is funded by the Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). Since UKAFF came on line in January 2001, calculations made on the system have revolutionized several fields in astronomy. "We now know much more about how stars and planets form as a direct result of these calculations", said Dr Matthew Bate of the University of Exeter. Astronomers also used the machine to show how a jet of matter fired from a massive black hole at incredibly high speed can keep hot the gas in a whole cluster of galaxies. "Before this calculation, people thought that this gas must cool down and make monster galaxies", said Professor Marcus Brueggen, now of the International University of Bremen. The 100th paper was by Dr Ian Bonnell of St Andrews and collaborators. For the first time they showed how galaxies sweep up gas into dense clouds, which eventually collapse into stars. This explains how distant galaxies light up their beautiful spiral patterns by making bright new stars. UKAFF (the UK Astrophysical Fluids Facility) is open to all UK astronomers. It is based at the University of Leicester and directed by Professor Andrew King (Leicester) and Professor Jim Pringle (Cambridge). Over a hundred astronomers from more than thirty UK institutions have used it. It is supported by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). The Leverhulme Trust has supported seven young astronomers entering this exciting field.