The Radio Universe: astronomy and astrophysics at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics 2014-2017

The Universe is in a state of continuous evolution. The Big Bang left small irregularities which later grew into clusters, galaxies, and stars. Large black holes formed at the centre of the galaxies. Stars and black holes
interact with their environment, heating the gas through jets and supernova explosions, and enriching the galaxies with new elements formed in stars, and with molecules and dust.

The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics studies the various phases of evolution especially through radio emission. Radio emission traces ionized plasmas which are found in high energy environments, The irregularities of the Big Bang are studied through the cosmic microwave radio emission. Galaxies emit radio emission from jets emitted by the black holes, and from gas ionized by massive stars. The cores of massive stars, left after their supernova explosions, emit radio pulses as so-called pulsars. All these radio emissions are detected using a variety of telescopes. The Planck Space Telescope observes the cosmic microwave background. The Lovell Telescope detects the emission from pulsars. The e-Merlin array resolves the emission from individual galaxies. Jodrell Bank is active in each of these areas. The research is supported by an active technology program. We develop cryogenically cooled amplifiers, and low noise detectors at high and low frequencies, both for space telescopes and ground-based.

Much of our research is based on wide area surveys. In addition to radio surveys, we also make use of high resolution optical surveys. Gravity is an important focus for our research. The bending of light and radio waves can be used to detect material otherwise invisible. We use this to detect planets in the outer regions of the stellar systems. Gravitational waves can be detected through the long-term monitoring of pulsars.

The research in this grant covers cosmology, from the origin of large-scale structure in the Universe to the formation of cluster of galaxies, Pulsars, both as objects in their own right and as tracers of gravity, star formation, winds from the Sun, stars and extrasolar planets. It is supported by a vigorous program of development of radio technology.

The future of radio astronomy is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), in which the UK has a leading role. The research of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics is directed towards the SKA. Over the next three years, we will continue our study of the radio Universe at all scales. The SKA will bring this to fruition, and provide a unique tracer of the continuing evolution of the Universe.

1. Outreach

Outreach is a core activity of the JBCA, to which considerable resources are devoted. Our outreach works builds on the research and the facilities, and the research in this application will become part of the existing programmes.

The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics has a major outreach programme centred around the Observatory and the Lovell Telescope. The University opened a new Discovery Centre in April 2011 which is now attracting 130,000 visitors per annum - including 15,000 children on school visits, the scientists and engineers of the future. The new Centre showcases live science, highlighting our STFC-funded research including the work of the Lovell Telescope, e-MERLIN, research on the CMB, black holes, stars and the search for life. An upcoming exhibition will also feature ALMA, VLT, E-ELT and SKA.

Astronomy and space have always had the power to inspire. BBC Stargazing Live broadcasting from Jodrell Bank attracts around 10 million viewers over each 3 night series. The programme enables us to showcase a wide range of astronomy and space activity, including the work of the Jodrell Bank group but also that of other astrophysics research groups across the UK.

We carry out a variety of outreach events into schools. For example, the outreach programme for National Astronomy Meeting 2012 (held in Manchester) included researcher visits to 12 local schools speaking to almost 600 pupils. A further 800 6th form students visited the University during NAM to listen to a talk about future large telescopes and 380 people came to two public lectures.

We have always encouraged our postgraduate students and early-career researchers to take part in outreach. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the subject is infectious. A good example of their contribution is The Jodcast. This is a twice-monthly podcast covering all areas of astronomy and space science, including of course the work of the research group here. The Jodcast has been running since Jan 2006 and has around 3,500 regular
listeners.

Over the next years, we will continue to reach out to the children and public, both through the Discovery Centre and through school and outreach events. The Centre is particularly commited to engaging 'hard to reach' audiences by organising innovative events e.g. the Live from Jodrell Bank music/science festivals events
(www.jodrellbanklive.co.uk). This will ensure a very high public impact of STFC-funded research.

2. Knowledge Exchange

Our economic impact is related to the technological R\&D, and telescopes and facilities. We work closely with a variety of companies. Examples include high-speed internet connections, where we have developed applications using lightpaths across academic networks; a technique using non-IP, point-to-point connections and allowing much higher connection speeds. This was done through STFC/EPSRC co-funded research, in collaboration with other groups including BT and the medical profession, where there are potential future applications. We are leading two SKA work packages for development of data transport and timing, with major industry involvement. Potential industry partners include the major international players, Nokia Siemens, CISCO, Cienna, Arup, Aurecon, Selex TS, National Instruments and UK enterprises including the National Physical Laboratory, and Gnodal.

Our STFC-funded cyrogenic development has lead to an IPS award in collboration with ICEOxford, starting April 2013. Our high aspect ratio SML electron beam resist has been licensed to an external company (EM Resist ltd).
The University has made knowledge transfer a priority, and provides support for setting up spin-off companies. JBCA is also making use of an an EPSRC knowledge transfer grant of 8.3 million pounds to the University of
Manchester.