Ben Pennell

PhD Candidate at the Max Planck Institut Für Astronomie in Heidelberg, Germany.

I work towards modelling and understanding the incidence of compact objects in binaries using data from the Gaia space telescope to learn more about our Galaxy.

Theoretical Astrophysics

I have a broad range of scientific interests. My research so far has included: designing and testing sodium-ion batteries, cataloguing cluster galaxies, modelling earthquakes, applying machine learning to cosmological recombination, probing the seismology of Saturn and using Gaia data to learn about our galaxy.

My aim is to improve the understanding of physics by probing astrophysical phenomena. To approach a more complete understanding of physics at the most fundamental level, we need to learn more about the most extreme elements of the Universe such as compact objects, the dynamics of galaxies and cosmology.

Classical History and Science Communication

My side passion, more than just a hobby, is philosophy, history of science, and ancient history; specifically Roman History. I have a particular interest in the dissection of ancient sources in Latin and Greek and the ancient authors that wrote them. Additionally, I enjoy imperial Roman history; the lives and personalities of the Emperors.

I have delivered several seminars to astrophysicists on cosmology in ancient Greek philosophy, and am always looking for an opportunity to bring this historical discussion to more astronomers.