Astrophysics Research at Liverpool John Moores University
Lead Research Organisation:
Liverpool John Moores University
Department Name: Astrophysics Research Institute
Abstract
We propose to continue our wide-ranging programme of research tackling cutting-edge astrophysical problems. We address two main topics: Explosive Transients (Theme A) and: Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei (Theme B). These Themes cover several of the scientific priorities in STFC's strategic plan under their theme Universal Challenges. In Theme A we will study the physics of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) - the most powerful explosions in the Universe - and use them as environmental probes. Combining cutting-edge theoretical predictions with novel observational experiments on the world's largest robotic telescopes, we will probe regions of extreme physics to determine the fundamental role of magnetic fields. We will use GRBs to probe the environment of massive stars locally and in the early Universe. We will search for the first electromagnetic counterparts to neutrino bursts predicted to be produced by GRBs, detection of which will revolutionise understanding of relativistic explosions. In a second part of Theme A we will investigate the fundamental properties of both Galactic and extragalactic Recurrent Novae, building on our considerable expertise in this area, focussing on the possibility that these objects are the progenitors of the important Type Ia Supernovae, which have become known as one of the primary probes of the scale and nature of the Universe. Theme B explores how the galaxies around us are formed, and how they then evolve over cosmic time. We will investigate what the properties are of the stellar populations which form in galaxies, when in the history of the galaxies the stars were formed, and how this depends upon the surroundings of the galaxies (e.g. whether they are in clusters or not, whether or not they contain the accreting Supermassive Black Holes which power Active Galactic Nuclei). We will use information from the most powerful ground based telescopes, and from optical, infrared and X-ray telescopes in space, combined with theoretical modeling, in an approach known as 'Galactic Archaeology' to uncover information on how the galaxies were assembled. All of our research uses the most advanced ground-based telescopes (such as our own Liverpool Telescope), satellites and data analysis techniques to carry out observations from gamma rays to radio wavelengths and ARI staff are lead many of the new generation surveys with these telescopes. The projects we propose in both themes are technically demanding and require computer software support to aid the delivery of the science. The structure and organisation of the ARI is designed to deliver internationally excellent research. The ARI is also a major international player in developing and exploiting outreach activities to engage the wider population in our science through the National Schools Observatory and the local astronomy visitor centre, Spaceport.
Publications
Gal-Yam A
(2011)
REAL-TIME DETECTION AND RAPID MULTIWAVELENGTH FOLLOW-UP OBSERVATIONS OF A HIGHLY SUBLUMINOUS TYPE II-P SUPERNOVA FROM THE PALOMAR TRANSIENT FACTORY SURVEY
in The Astrophysical Journal
García-Berro E
(2011)
The white-dwarf cooling sequence of NGC 6791: a unique tool for stellar evolution
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
García-Berro E
(2010)
A white dwarf cooling age of 8 Gyr for NGC 6791 from physical separation processes.
in Nature
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
Gilbank D
(2010)
The Redshift One LDSS-3 Emission line Survey (ROLES): survey method and z~ 1 mass-dependent star formation rate density ROLES: method and SFRD
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gilbank D
(2011)
Erratum: The local star formation rate density: assessing calibrations using [O ii], Ha and UV luminosities Erratum
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gilbank D
(2010)
The local star formation rate density: assessing calibrations using [O ii], H and UV luminosities Stripe 82 SFRDs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gilbank D
(2011)
A spectroscopic measurement of galaxy formation time-scales with the Redshift One LDSS3 Emission line Survey ROLES z~ 1 SSFR-mass
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ginsburg A
(2018)
Distributed Star Formation throughout the Galactic Center Cloud Sgr B2
in The Astrophysical Journal
Gomboc A.
(2008)
MULTIWAVELENGTH ANALYSIS OF THE INTRIGUING GRB 061126: THE REVERSE SHOCK SCENARIO AND MAGNETIZATION
in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
Gordon Y
(2017)
Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): active galactic nuclei in pairs of galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gould A
(2013)
MOA-2010-BLG-523: "FAILED PLANET" = RS CVn STAR
in The Astrophysical Journal
Gould A
(2010)
FREQUENCY OF SOLAR-LIKE SYSTEMS AND OF ICE AND GAS GIANTS BEYOND THE SNOW LINE FROM HIGH-MAGNIFICATION MICROLENSING EVENTS IN 2005-2008
in The Astrophysical Journal
Gratton R
(2012)
The Na-O anticorrelation in horizontal branch stars III. 47 Tucanae and M 5 ???
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Gratton R
(2012)
The Na-O anticorrelation in horizontal branch stars II. NGC 1851?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Greene C
(2012)
The slowly evolving role of environment in a spectroscopic survey of star formation in M* > 5 × 108 M? galaxies since z ~ 1 Star formation in dwarf galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Grootes M
(2013)
GAMA/H-ATLAS: THE DUST OPACITY-STELLAR MASS SURFACE DENSITY RELATION FOR SPIRAL GALAXIES
in The Astrophysical Journal
Grootes M
(2017)
Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): Gas Fueling of Spiral Galaxies in the Local Universe. I. The Effect of the Group Environment on Star Formation in Spiral Galaxies
in The Astronomical Journal
Guidorzi C
(2011)
A faint optical flash in dust-obscured GRB 080603A: implications for GRB prompt emission mechanisms Prompt and afterglow emission of GRB 080603A
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180721A: LCO Haleakala observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180720C: LT observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180418A: LCO FTN afterglow confirmation.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180703A: LCO Sutherland possible optical candidate.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180715A: LCO Sutherland observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180325A: prompt LT observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180314A: LCO Siding Springs observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180821A: LCO Siding Springs observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180103A: LCO Sutherland 1-m telescope observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180402A: LCO McDonald observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180404B: LCO FTS observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180715A: LCO Sutherland possible optical candidate.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180809B: LCO Sutherland observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180404A: LCO FTS observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180703A: optical afterglow confirmation.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180329B: LCO FTS observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Gunawardhana M
(2011)
Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): the star formation rate dependence of the stellar initial mass function IMF-SFR relationship
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Guo Q
(2011)
Which haloes host Herschel-ATLAS galaxies in the local Universe? Clustering of Herschel-ATLAS galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hachinger S
(2013)
The UV/optical spectra of the Type Ia supernova SN 2010jn: a bright supernova with outer layers rich in iron-group elements
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hammer D
(2010)
THE HST /ACS COMA CLUSTER SURVEY. II. DATA DESCRIPTION AND SOURCE CATALOGS
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Hardcastle M
(2013)
Herschel-ATLAS/GAMA: a difference between star formation rates in strong-line and weak-line radio galaxies?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hardcastle M
(2010)
Herschel-ATLAS: far-infrared properties of radio-selected galaxies? Herschel-ATLAS: radio-selected galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Harrison C
(2012)
THE XMM CLUSTER SURVEY: THE STELLAR MASS ASSEMBLY OF FOSSIL GALAXIES
in The Astrophysical Journal
Hartley W
(2010)
The evolution of galaxy clustering since z= 3 using the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey: the divergence of passive and star-forming galaxies Clustering of passive galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Heng K
(2008)
A Direct Measurement of the Dust Extinction Curve in an Intermediate-Redshift Galaxy
in The Astrophysical Journal
Henshaw J
(2016)
Erratum: Seeding the Galactic Centre gas stream: gravitational instabilities set the initial conditions for the formation of protocluster clouds: Table 1.
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Henshaw J
(2017)
Unveiling the early-stage anatomy of a protocluster hub with ALMA
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Henshaw J
(2017)
Erratum: Seeding the Galactic Centre gas stream: gravitational instabilities set the initial conditions for the formation of protocluster clouds: Table 1.
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hidas M
(2010)
An ingress and a complete transit of HD 80606 b Ingress and complete transit of HD 80606 b
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hill D
(2010)
Galaxy and Mass Assembly: FUV, NUV, ugrizYJHK Petrosian, Kron and Sérsic photometry GAMA: the photometric pipeline
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hilton M
(2010)
THE XMM CLUSTER SURVEY: ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI AND STARBURST GALAXIES IN XMMXCS J2215.9-1738 AT z = 1.46
in The Astrophysical Journal
Description | Discoveries into the evolution of galaxies and stars, their origin and astrophysical processes. |
Exploitation Route | Continue to research into unsolved problems in astrophysics. |
Sectors | Education |
Description | Many outreach activities across all sectors, e.g. Schools, public, policy makers, flower shows |
First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
Sector | Education,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | NSO Presentation in House of Commons |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Description | Consolidated Renewal |
Amount | £1,200,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/R000484/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2018 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | EU Framework Programme |
Amount | £71,038 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 06/2012 |
End | 06/2015 |
Description | EU Framework Programme |
Amount | £29,175 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 06/2011 |
End | 06/2013 |
Description | STFC Large Awards |
Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2011 |
End | 06/2013 |
Description | STFC SiS Fellowships |
Amount | £74,252 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2011 |
End | 10/2013 |
Description | University Widening Access |
Amount | £1,283,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Liverpool John Moores University |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2017 |
Description | ARI Engagement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The ARI Outreach team delivers 50 events per year in addition to School based activities. These include, astronomy and science societies and associations, public open events, theatre, street theatre etc..art exhibitions, church societies, cubs, scouts, brownies etc.. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
Description | Input to Parliamentary Inquiry |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Provision of evidence and acting as expert witness for House of Commons S&T Committee Inquiry into astronomy and particle physics. Recommendations in final report supporting the Liverpool Telescope and National Schools' Observatory. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | NSO-Garden Chelsea |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | In 2015 the NSO exhibited a garden called Dark Matter; at the Chelsea Flower Show winning a Gold medal and Best in Class" (Fresh Gardens). The aggregate audience was estimated at 211 million. The garden has an extensive legacy value at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory and is highlighted on the front cover of the 2015 STFC Impact Report. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.stfc.ac.uk/files/impact-report-2015/ |
Description | National Schools Observatory |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Enhanced interest and uptake of STEM subjects Each year the NSO delivers just over 40 different events or visits to or involving schools. This reaches a total of about 4,500 pupils per year in about 80 different schools. Increasing schools registration on NSO - more than 4000 currently |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
URL | http://www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk/ |
Description | National Schools' Observatory in Primary Schools |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Workshop Facilitator |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 1000 Primary school teachers and their pupils engaged with astronomical research using the Liverpool Telescope and resources of the NSO website. Over all NSO activity (Primary, Secondary, FE) over the period: 30,000 observing requests were delivered and just under 3,000,000 educational webpages viewed. This is in addition to the engagement activity entered into eVal for the previous period. www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013 |
URL | http://www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk |
Description | Press coverage relating to the Liverpool Telescope |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Paper Presentation |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 12+ significant stories covered by the media through press releases related to the Liverpool Telescope. This is in addition to the outputs reported for the previous period through eVal. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013 |
Description | School and Public Talks |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 50+ public talks and 200+ schools talks based around science from the Liverpool Telescope. This is in addition to data entered through eVal for the previous period. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013 |
URL | http://www.astro.ljmu.ac.uk/outreach |
Description | TV and radio coverage |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Contributions to TV and radio broadcasts featuring LIverpool Telescope science. Total 20+ in this reporting period. This is in addition to the outputs reported for the previous period through eVal. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013 |
URL | http://www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk |