The research programme in astronomy theory at Newcastle University

The proposed research programme in astronomy theory (AT) at Newcastle University includes six projects. Their unifying theme is the focus on hydrodynamic (HD) and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes, ranging in scale from planets to the large-scale cosmological structure. Newcastle is an internationally leading research centre in the area of astrophysical HD and, especially, MHD. The proposed research involves a wide range of physical processes and a wide range of models and tools, including effective field theory models in cosmology, and analytical MHD models and state-of-the-art numerical simulations for a range of astrophysical objects in a variety of geometries. All of the proposed work also includes extensive comparisons with the latest observations.

The proposed programme will contribute to several research areas of strategic importance, including problems identified in STFC's Big Questions of the Science Roadmap:

A:2 How did structure first form? (Project 1: Field theory approach to cosmological large-scale structure)

A:3 What are the roles of dark matter and dark energy? (Project 1)

A:5 How do galaxies evolve? (Project 2: Magnetic fields and cosmic rays in high-redshift and nearby spiral galaxies, Project 3: Interstellar and intergalactic random magnetic fields, and Project 4: Internal gravity waves in massive stars)

A:6 How do stars form and how do they evolve? (Project 4 and Project 5: Dynamical modelling of glitches in pulsars)

B.1 How common are planetary systems and is ours typical? (Project 6: Magnetism in hot Jupiters)

C:7 High energy gamma and cosmic ray astronomy (Project 2)

D:1 How do the laws of physics work when driven to the extremes? (Project 5)

Our results will be of interest to scientists working in various different subjects areas, including cosmology, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, cosmic rays physics, dynamo theory, radio astronomy, the physics of the interstellar medium, massive and compact stars, and exoplanets and planetary systems. In terms of academic impact, we will ensure that we attend conferences that will enable us to disseminate our results effectively to the international community of scientists working in these fields of research. Although our work is primarily theoretical, it is motivated by observations, and our intention is to produce results that can be used to interpret observational data. It will therefore be important for us to communicate effectively with observers. We shall be using some of the visitor money that we are requesting as part of this grant to further develop existing links with observers.

We have identified some areas of the proposed research that may be beneficial to wider society. These are: the development and application of new image analysis methods, that may be applicable to medical image processing; the techniques that we use to handle large data sets resulting from numerical simulations, that connect to widespread problems in handling "big data"; and using our broad knowledge of astronomy and our experience in developing new planetarium shows, to provide ongoing professional development support for school teachers.

On an individual level, this research will also have a positive impact upon the PDRA's career. Clearly, they will gain important experience in these subject areas. Furthermore, by developing and using a complex, state-of-the-art, general purpose numerical codes in a parallel computing environment, they will gain significant expertise in numerical work. They will also develop their communication skills by presenting research at conferences. Our engagement in, and active support of, a broad network of intense international collaborations will provide the young researchers with international networking and collaboration skills. Our PDRAs and PhD students are regular participants of national and international summer and winter schools that offer unique opportunities to extends their knowledge base and establish international contacts with their peers. Even if some PDRAs or PhD students do not pursue an academic career, such skills are highly valued in many other employment sectors.

Cosmic ray research is particularly well suited to outreach work. For example, galactic cosmic rays may have important consequences for the health of astronauts in future manned space flights. Even at the Earth's surface, we are constantly exposed to cosmic rays, the flux of which depends crucially upon the magnetic fields that are associated with the solar wind. One of the Co-Investigators (Dr A. Fletcher) already does outreach work with local schools, including giving "Masterclasses" on Applied Mathematics and lecturing at our "Partners" summer schools for pupils attending local schools, many in deprived areas, which do not send many students to University. Building upon our previous experience in this area, we intend to introduce simple, and yet deep, ideas from our research into these outreach activities.