Dr. Nikki G.
Noughani
University of Toronto
About Me
My name is Dr. Nikki G. Noughani and I am currently a Rubin Postdoctoral Fellow at the Dunlap Institute at the University of Toronto. I like to say I am secretly a mathematician that snuck into the astrophysics department, and I love to approach the intricate and infinite problems in this field analytically.
In particular, I have used analytical approaches to describing a stellar merger event called Common Envelope (CE) evolution, and specifically showing discrepancies in models that include or exclude convective and radiative processes. I can then use these modeled events to produce theoretical light curves and, subsequently, observables for instruments including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's telescope. These processes can occur on timelines as short as several months, and with the Rubin Observatory's nightly observing cadence, it is an incredible chance to catch many of these events in action!
When I am not working on CEE, I am playing fetch with my dog Lily, taking a yoga class, or reading a book (likely an Agatha Christie novel). I have worked in Physics Education Research and love to keep up with ongoing research in the field as well. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Contact
Toronto, ON M5S 3H4
Research Interests
My research focuses on Common Envelope (CE) evolution — a short-lived but transformative phase in the lives of binary star systems — and on producing theoretical light curves and observables for transient detection with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
CE Light Curve Modeling
I use the stellar modeling software MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) to evolve stars and look at the effects of a CE event at different points in their lifetimes. My primary approach to CE modeling is analytic, which is less computationally intensive and faster than other 3D models. This allows me to test a greater number of binary pairs and look at larger effects. MESA also allows me to measure the impact of including different radiative processes such as convection, particularly on the final results of a CE event, such as frame C above.
Publications: Noughani et al. 2026 — arXiv/ADS ↗
Light Curve Matching
Theoretical models of CEs, particularly from the point of secondary engulfment (frame B above) to envelope expulsion, can also be used to calculate light curves of these events that describe how the luminosity of the primary star is changed due to the presence of a companion. These light curves can then be used as tests of principle against suspected CE targets, or even used to identify these events.
My current work at U of T focuses on creating observables for the Rubin Observatory's instrument specifically, but the approach can be adjusted to any bands or filters and therefore applied across any number of transient detection efforts.
CV
Code & Data Releases
Public repositories are coming soon. In the meantime, please contact me for available data.