PATT Linked Grant for observational astrophysics QUB: 2010 - 2012
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch of Mathematics and Physics
Abstract
Our proposal seeks to renew the PATT Linked Grant at Queen's University Belfast. This award will cover our travel and subsistence costs to both STFC and non-STFC observing facilities. The major topics of observational astrophysics research to be covered by the PATT Linked Grant include: - the study of both Population I and evolved OB-type stars in our own and other galaxies; - investigations of supernovae and the end stages of stellar evolution; - high temporal, spatial and spectral resolution observations of the solar atmosphere and those of other cool stars; - studies of solar system bodies, including comets and asteroids; - astrochemistry, including that of interstellar and circumstellar clouds; - investigations of planetary nebulae; - multiwavelength studies of the interstellar medium, in particular high velocity clouds; - followup observations of exoplanets and other objects detected by the SuperWASP instrument.
Organisations
Publications
Barros S
(2011)
A lower mass for the exoplanet WASP-21b A lower mass for the exoplanet WASP-21b
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Shelyag S
(2010)
A photospheric bright point model
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Jess D
(2010)
A STUDY OF MAGNETIC BRIGHT POINTS IN THE Na I D 1 LINE
in The Astrophysical Journal
Gibson N
(2010)
A transit timing analysis of seven RISE light curves of the exoplanet system HAT-P-3
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Brothwell R
(2014)
A window on exoplanet dynamical histories: Rossiter-McLaughlin observations of WASP-13b and WASP-32b
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Keys P
(2011)
Chromospheric velocities of a C-class flare
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Grieve M
(2013)
ELECTRON-IMPACT EXCITATION COLLISION STRENGTHS AND THEORETICAL LINE INTENSITIES FOR TRANSITIONS IN S III
in The Astrophysical Journal
Keenan F
(2010)
Emission lines of Fe xi in the 257-407 Å wavelength region observed in solar spectra from EIS/ Hinode and SERTS
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Aggarwal K
(2010)
Energy levels and radiative rates for transitions in B-like to F-like Xe ions (Xe L-XLVI)
in Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables
Kuridze D
(2013)
Failed filament eruption inside a coronal mass ejection in active region 11121
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
| Description | Advances in several areas of astrophysics, ranging from how the solar atmosphere is heated, to the discovery of exoplanets, asteroids and the progenitors of supernovae. |
| Exploitation Route | All add to the knowledge of astrophysical sources and will be used by others to further the overall research areas. |
| Sectors | Education |
| Description | Publications in astronomical literature in a range of topics from solar physics to studies of supernovae. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
| Sector | Education |
| Impact Types | Cultural |
| Description | Annual in-house activities |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Astronomy lectures and presentations are given at the following annual events: (i) QUB Horizons in Physics} (which attracts around 400 4th- and 5th-form students per year), (ii) Physics Open Days (around 200 6th-form students), (iii) Physics Teachers Conference (about 50 Physics teachers from schools in Ireland). Increased take-up of Physics and Astronomy degree programme over last 3 years. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Jupiter Watch |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Attended by over 500 annually. Increased awareness and appreciation of astronomy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2016 |
| Description | Links with W5 Discovery Centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | An ongoing partnership with the W5 Discovery Centre in Belfast (Ireland's award-winning science and discovery centre). We developed the Planet Quest exhibition, based on explaining the multi-wavelength nature of modern astronomy. This includes spectacular infrared images from telescopes and satellites, information stands on the nature of infrared radiation, and hands on activities for children. It showcases high-profile Queen's astrophysics research to illustrate to the public that world-leading, technology-driven research is happening in Belfast. The exhibition initially ran March - September 2012, attracting 10,000 visitors, and we hope to run it again during the period 2014 - 2017. Astrophysics staff also host talks, Q&A sessions and hands-on building games in W5 (aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils), and further support W5 through the creation of astronomy CPD materials and a centralised web resource for secondary school physics teachers. Increased interest in astronomy and science from schoolchildren. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013 |
| Description | Michael West lectures |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We have initiated a series of high-profile public lectures, The Michael West Lecture Series in Astronomy, following a philanthropic donation from Dr West which funds a Fellowship with a major outreach and education component. These lectures, which are scheduled typically twice per year, each attract 200 people, and are now the most widely attended public lecture series at Queen's University and indeed in Ireland as a whole. Increased requests for e.g. school talks. Media interviews. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| URL | https://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/wiki/public/outreach/start |
| Description | School visits |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | All members of the Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC) at Queen's University are involved in schools talks, covering their research topics as well as more general interests in astronomy. Most are at secondary level but also at primary (we actively take part in STEPS), either in the classroom or at Queen's. ARC staff deliver a total of about 40 talks/year to pupils, with typical class sizes of 25. Hard to assess, but in Northern Ireland uptake of Physics at university level has increased steadily in recent years, in contrast to the UK trend. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017 |