Christopher Onken

Christopher Onken is a Research Fellow at the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics of the Australian National University, serving as Deputy Director of Siding Spring Observatory. His work focuses on observational astrophysics, particularly black holes, active galactic nuclei (AGN), and transient phenomena.

• Role: Deputy Director, Siding Spring Observatory
• Key Collaborations: SkyMapper Southern Survey, ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA gravitational wave followup

His research explores black hole accretion, AGN variability, and transient events through photometric and spectroscopic surveys of the southern sky. Recent projects include data releases from SkyMapper and optical followup of gravitational wave counterparts.

Current trends in his publications emphasize massive black hole dynamics, changing-look AGN, and gravitational wave astronomy, leveraging facilities like ANU's 2.3m telescope and collaborations with international teams.

• Email: christopher.onken@anu.edu.au