Yijia Zhang is a high-energy astrophysicist whose research explores some of the most energetic and short-lived events in the universe. He is affiliated with the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University (KIAA–PKU), where he is involved in the study of ultraluminous X-ray sources, cosmic transients, and the physics of compact astronomical objects. His research activities related to the Einstein Probe mission have also led to his participation in the study of newly discovered X-ray events and their potential association with unusual supernovae.
Who Is Yijia Zhang?
Yijia Zhang is a researcher in high-energy astrophysics, studying the physics of powerful cosmic events by analyzing their X-ray and multi-wavelength radiation. He is interested in ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs), fast X-ray transients, and supernovae that could be driven by compact objects like rapidly rotating neutron stars.
He is associated with the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University in Beijing. The institute gathers together researchers from all areas of astronomy and astrophysics, and offers an academic environment for studying the origin, behaviour and evolution of astronomical objects.
Zhang’s work is especially relevant to the study of transient astronomy, which focuses on astronomical phenomena that evolve rapidly over short time scales. The study of these events can lead to the discovery of new sources, the understanding of the death of stars, and the study of extreme physical conditions in the vicinity of compact stellar remnants.
Yijia Zhang Peking: Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Yijia Zhang (张一加) |
| Profession | High-energy astrophysicist |
| Current Affiliation | Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (KIAA) |
| University | Peking University, Beijing, China |
| Current Position | KIAA Fellow (2026) |
| Previous Reported Affiliation | Tsinghua University (2025) |
| Research Fields | High-energy astrophysics, transient astronomy, and multi-wavelength astrophysics |
| Primary Research Interests | Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs), fast X-ray transients, and supernovae |
| Space Mission Involvement | China’s Einstein Probe mission |
| Notable Research Event | X-ray transient EP250304a |
| Associated Supernova | SN 2025fhm, a broad-lined Type Ic supernova |
Education and Academic Background
The Einstein Probe mission’s Gamma-ray Coordinates Network (GCN) circular included Zhang’s educational history, which was marked with an affiliation to Tsinghua University.
His later affiliation with Peking University gives a better idea of his current research setting. He is a fellow at KIAA–PKU, where he is part of a scientific community that is interested in observational astronomy and theoretical questions about the universe.
Career at Peking University and the Einstein Probe Mission
In March 2025, Zhang was reported in a Gamma-ray Coordinates Network circular as the discoverer of an X-ray transient named EP250304a, observed by the Tsinghua University. The report was submitted on behalf of the Einstein Probe team and detailed observations by the mission’s Wide-field X-ray Telescope.
This contribution is an example of how modern astronomy is a collaborative enterprise. Once an unusual X-ray event is detected, follow-up observations must be coordinated, measurements made at other wavelengths compared, and models built to explain the physical origin of the event.
In 2026, Zhang was appointed as a KIAA Fellow at Peking University. His interests are listed in the institute’s official researcher directory as ultraluminous X-ray sources, multi-wavelength astrophysics, and transients.
Research Interests and Scientific Contributions
Ultraluminous X-ray Sources
Astronomical objects that produce unusually high amounts of X-ray radiation are called ULXs, or ultraluminous X-ray sources.
When matter approaches a compact object, it may release vast amounts of energy. The study of these systems allows astronomers to explore accretion, strong gravitational fields, and the limits of energy production in stellar environments.
Fast X-Ray Transients and Supernovae
The extensive follow-up observations were made on March 4, 2025. An optical counterpart was identified and the event was later linked to the broad-lined Type Ic supernova SN 2025fhm.
Zhang was a co-author of a research paper published in September 2026, SN 2025fhm: A central-engine powered Ic-BL supernova associated with X-ray transient EP250304a. The study suggests that the supernova’s later light curve cannot be explained by radioactive decay. Instead, its models rely on extra energy being injected from a rapidly spinning, highly magnetized neutron star called a magnetar.
Multi-Wavelength Astronomy
Multi-wavelength astronomy combines observations across different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, including X-rays, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and radio waves.
Each wavelength can reveal different physical processes. X-rays can expose energetic activity near compact objects, while optical observations help researchers study the surrounding material and the development of supernovae.
Current Position
Zhang is a KIAA Fellow based in Beijing. His listed research interests cover ULXs, multi-wavelength astrophysics, and transient phenomena. The directory also provides his institutional office and professional email for research-related
Conclusion
Yijia Zhang’s connection with Peking University is linked to a discipline that aims to understand the most energetic and dynamic events in the universe. His research interests include questions of compact objects and transient astrophysical phenomena, such as ultraluminous X-ray sources and the possible involvement of magnetars in supernova explosions.
The Einstein Probe collaboration and the study of EP250304a demonstrate the importance of space-based detection and long-term monitoring with multiple telescopes.
