Prof. Lerothodi Lapula Leeuw (College of Graduate Studies) (C2 NRF rated), conducts multi-wavelength astrophysical research on the evolution of elliptical galaxies and their progenitors, in both gravitationally lensed and un-lensed systems. Multi-wavelength research excites him because it combines information from different wavebands or telescopes, as individual telescopes are often specialised to only detect light at specific wavebands
A passionate astronomer, Professor Lerothodi Lapula Leeuw, College of Graduate Studies (C2 NRF rated), believes that the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) has enormous implications for the South Africa and continent, largely because this country will be hosting the majority of the instrument.
Through his research, Leeuw conducts multi-wavelength astrophysical research on the evolution of elliptical galaxies and their progenitors, in both gravitationally lensed and un-lensed systems. The lensed systems are excellent probes of dark matter that is partially responsible for gravitational lensing. One of the aims of the research is to assemble a large sample of gravitational lenses that can be used to probe the distribution and nature of dark matter in the universe. Multi-wavelength research excites Leeuw because it combines information from different wavebands or telescopes, as individual telescopes are often specialised to only detect light at specific wavebands – for example, the SKA at radio, and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) at optical.
This outcome of this research will certainly affect South Africa and the continent as a whole. As Unisa celebrates 140 years of shaping futures and excellence in research and innovation, these strides are incredibly valuable and exciting to the university. Through this research, the aims are to re-establish Unisa as a leading centre of excellence in science and research by producing research outcomes and training people to be good researchers. “There’s also a big push in South Africa to conduct multi-wavelength research and I think we at Unisa would like to lead and be a participant in that movement. Unisa, the country and continent are already players in this global phenomenon, and indeed that’s what we want to establish – that we can play and participate in addressing the universe’s big questions. It is a great time to be at Unisa and I hope to make an impact,” says Leeuw.
