Supernovae environments
We can use supernovae to learn about galaxies. Supernovae are bright beacons which occur where there is ongoing star-formation. Using the Zwicky Transient Facility Bright Transient Survey, we measured the rediaul star-formation rate in "red and dead" elliptical galaxies
Infant supernovae and their circumstellar environment
"Infant" supernovae are supernovae detected hours to days after they have exploded. In the first days, a typical supernova will sweep up its nearby environment. In order to understand the last stages of stellar evolution, we must capture these supernovae as early as possible. For example, we found an exotic Ca-rich suprnova interacting with nearby C/O wind.
Optical instrumentation
Studying supernovae and other transients requires dedicated optical instruments. I'm leading the optical design and commissioning of DeepSpec - a high throughput fiber-fed spectrograph for transient observations (R = 600). DeepSpec will be mounted on the Weizmann Multi-Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope. This is a 2.7 m telescope comprised of 20 PlaneWave 60 cm telescopes, and will cost an order-of-magnitude less than traditional facilities. DeepSpec is currently being commissioned at the Weizmann Institute and is expected to see firts light during 2024.