The universe contains strange objects and explosions that dwarf anything we can produce in an Earth-bound laboratory. Most of these 'extremes' were only recognized as astronomy extended its reach beyond the visible light we can see, across the whole, vastly larger, spectrum, from radio to X-rays.

CfA scientists study these extremes of density, temperature, magnetic field, and rapid energy release. The type of object we study include: black holes, pulsars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and magentars. The results test our understanding of the underpinnings of modern physics: relativity and quantum mechanics, and challenge us to discover how such extreme objects come to exist.

• Theoretical Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMP)
• Supermassive Black Holes (HEA)
• Quasars and Active Galaxies (HEA)
• Relativistic Jets and Blazars (HEA)
• Stellar Black Holes (HEA)
• Neutron Stars in Binaries (HEA)
• Supernova Remnants (HEA)
• Pulsars (HEA)
• Cosmic-Rays (HEA)
• Supermassive Black Holes (RG)
• Jets and Shocks (SSP)
• Planet Formation (SSP)
• High-Energy Astrophysics (TA)