The inner and outer view of galaxies
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Central Lancashire
Department Name: Jeremiah Horrocks Institute
Abstract
This project will make use of the radiative transfer codes developed in the group of Dr Popescu and collaborators to model the detailed 3D structure of the Milky Way, and to reconcile the inner view of galaxies, as seen in our own Galaxy, to the outer view of external galaxies. This will answer the fundamental question of whether there is dark matter in the inner part of the Milky Way and therefore in external galaxies. The project will also answer the other critical questions of how the Milky Way has formed and evolved, and how typical the Milky Way is within spiral galaxies.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Cristina Popescu (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Jordan Thirlwall (Student) |
Publications
Thirlwall J
(2020)
A radiative transfer model for the spiral galaxy M33?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N504014/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2021 | |||
| 1813442 | Studentship | ST/N504014/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2020 | Jordan Thirlwall |
| Description | We have found that by accounting for the large scale geometry of stars and dust within a galaxy, it is possible to produce a self-consistent axisymmetric model of a non-edge-on galaxy. We also find that we can fit what is known as the sub-millimetre excess by accounting for the geometry. The sub-millimetre excess has previously been seen in modelled galaxies in the form of models underestimating the emission from the galaxy in this wavelength range. |
| Exploitation Route | In the academic setting, the findings of this funding could be used in the future to examine further the physical processes which occur within M33, for example, looking at gamma-ray emission from the galaxy. The findings also lead to the possibility of other non-edge-on galaxies being modelled in the future. In a non-academic setting, the findings of this funding have no apparent uses. |
| Sectors | Other |
| Description | Grammer School Research Talk (Hothersall Lodge) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Gave a talk entitled "Multiwavelength Astronomy" to a group of 35 GCSE and A-level Grammer School students. The talk involved background on multiwavelength astronomy, my research, and my personal journey though university. The talk sparked not only scientific questions from the audience but also discussions on applying to university, choosing a course, and how to decide on what to do after school/university. The teachers present reported that they had several students start to discuss the possibility of applying to university, which they had not shown interest in previously. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | IOP (Research Talk) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 20 members of the North-West branch of the Institue of Physics came to the universities observatory where I gave a 30minute research talk titled "Decoding the Spectral Energy Distribution of M33". The purpose of this event was to discuss my research with the general public, which sparked some interest from the audience and led to some interesting questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Multiple Public Outreach talks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | At multiple events for scouts, guides, undergraduates, and the general public. In all groups questions were asked at different levels and futher interest was discussed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | Public Outreach talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ~40 people attended The purpose was to introduce the general public to multiwavelength astronomy |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |