RESEARCH

My research is mainly focused on the exploration of the gas and dust properties in nearby galaxies. I use observations mainly in optical and infrared/submm wavelengths as well as radiative transfer models in order to simulate the optical and infrared appearance of galaxies. I am also interested in astronomical instrumentation in optical telescopes (Aristarchos telescope) and infrared observatories (Herschel-HIFI).

Radiative Transfer

I have performed Radiative Transfer calculations in spiral galaxies. The model that I use assumes 3D geometry and is based on the method described in Kylafis & Bahcall (1987) utilizing the algorithm of scattered intensities to take into account absorption and multiple scattering of the stellar light by the dust grains. The results of this study are presented in a series of papers, [e.g. Xilouris et al., 1997; 1998; 1999; Dasyra et al. 2005; Misiriotis et al. 2006].

The figure on the left shows 7 edge-on spiral galaxies observed in the I-band from Skinakas Observatory (left panel) and the relevant radiative transfer simulation (right panel; Xilouris et al. 1999).

Infrared properties of nearby galaxies

I have analyzed infrared/sub-millimeter observations of nearby galaxies using data coming from either ground-based telescopes (JCMT, IRAM-30m) or space telescopes (IRAS, ISO, Spitzer, Akari, Herschel). I am a member of the Herschel M33 Extended Survey (HerM33es), the Herschel Virgo Cluster Survey (HeViCS), the Fornax Virgo Cluster Survey (HeFoCS), the Herschel Observations of Edge-on Spirals (HEROES) and the New HErschel Multi-Wavelength Extragalactic Survey of Edge-on Spirals (NHEMESES).

Selected publications are: Davies et al. 2013, Xilouris et al. 2012, Kramer et al. 2011, Davies et al. 2010, Zhu et al. 2009, Xilouris et al. 2004a, 2004b.

The figure on the left shows the nearby spiral galaxy M33 observed by Herschel Space Observatory (HerM33es).

Luminous Infrared Galaxies

I study the properties of the dense molecular clouds and dust in (U)LIRGs using observations from ground-based telescopes (JCMT, IRAM-30m) and Herschel Space Observatory. I am a member of the Herschel Comprehensive (U)LIRG Emission Survey (HerCULES).

Check out this video (in Greek only) from the "2012 Research Projects" funded by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation.

Selected publications are: Papadopoulos et al. 2012a, 2012b, Ivison et al. 2011, Gonzalez-Alonso et al. 2010, van der Werf et al. 2010, Papadopoulos et al. 2010.

Left: HST images of Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs).

Properties of the ISM

I have been involved in studies of the ISM (detection of Galactic Supernova Remnants (SNRs) and Planetary Nebulae (PNe) at optical wavelengths).

Selected publications are: Mavromatakis et al. 2004, Boumis et al. 2006, Boumis et al. 2008, Boumis et al. 2009.

Left: Optical detection of the Supernova Remnant G15.1-1.6 (Boumis et al. 2008).