Stuart Littlefair
Reader in Astrophysics
Research
I use eclipsing binaries to study the fundamental properties of low-mass stars, extra-solar planets and brown dwarfs.
I also study the evolution of interacting binaries like cataclysmic variables.
The variability of very low mass stars and brown dwarfs has a mysterious origin. Dust cloud weather, magnetic activity and powerful aurora may all play a role.
I use infrared and optical observations to understand the origins and implications of variability.
Time-domain astrophysics requires specialist tools!
I work with colleagues at Sheffield, Warwick and Durham to build specialist cameras and telescopes to study astrophysics on the fastest timescales.
Teaching
2nd Year
Problem
Classes
A series of problem classes to accompany the second year astronomy modules PHY 241, PHY 242, PHY 216 and PHY 229.
PHY 241
Observational Astronomy
An introduction to observational astronomy and Python programming. It supersedes the old observational astronomy course PHY217.
The course website gives details of timetabling, whilst detailed notes are available online.
Python notebooks for the programming sessions can be viewed and downloaded here.
Code
Ufinder is a tool which allows for planning of Ultracam observations.
Click here for usage and installation introductions.
Usfinder is a tool which allows for planning of Ultraspec observations.
Click here for usage and installation introductions.
On my github repository, you can download other code I've made available - including python code for modelling cataclysmic variable lightcurves, robust fitting of exo-planet transits in the presence of systematic noise, and a python wrapper to control CCD cameras from QSI.
Contact Me
- Stuart Littlefair
- Dept of Physics & Astronomy
- University of Sheffield
- Sheffield S3 7RH
- UK
- s.littlefair@shef.ac.uk