IoA Theoretical and X-ray Astronomy consolidation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Institute of Astronomy
Abstract
This proposal is for an interim grant to support research in Theoretical Astrophysics and X-ray Astronomy at the Institute of Astronomy (IoA), as part of a transition to a fully consolidated IoA Astronomy grant proposal in 2012.
The Theory theme addresses a wide range of astrophysical phenomena ranging from the origin of the Universe itself to the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars and planets. One of the main areas of investigation is cosmology. Members of the IoA are playing a leading role in the European Space Agency Planck mission, and will lead a definitive determination of the cosmological parameters including the age, size, dark matter, dark energy and baryonic contents of the Universe. Another project will carry out theoretical simulations and analysis of the subsequent evolution of cosmic structure during the epoch of reionisation, when the first stars and galaxies were formed.
Star formation is another major focus of the grant, on scales ranging from galaxies, where the molecular clouds giving birth to stars are formed, to the formation of stars and star clusters within these molecular clouds. These investigations will combine state-of-the-art numerical simulations with analytical theory and a rich new set of multi-wavelength observations of nearby galaxies being obtained with the Herschel and Spitzer space observatories under IoA leadership.
The understanding of planetary systems around stars and their formation is another goal of the Theory theme. One project will focus on modelling the properties of debris discs, discs of asteroids, cometary objects, and dust surrounding stars, using a complete IoA-led survey of nearby stars with the Herschel observatory (DEBRIS project). Another project is directed at modelling the evolution of the planetary orbits themselves in different stellar environments and stellar evolutionary stages.
The final component of the Theoretical Astronomy theme is the modelling of binary star systems, and improving our understanding of how double star systems evolve when the component stars are immersed in a common envelope. This phase of evolution is important for understanding a wide range of observed stellar systems including cataclysmic variables, X-ray binaries, and the progenitors of supernovae, including the Type Ia supernovae which are used as cosmological standard candles.
The second theme of the proposal is X-ray Astronomy. The research will exploit a large body of observations of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and Galactic X-ray binary systems being obtained by the X-ray group on the Chandra, XMM-Newton, Suzaku and ASTRO-H X-ray observatories to carry out three projects.
One project will carry out measurements of the spin of black holes, both the supermassive black holes which power the enormous energy emissions from quasars and other active galactic nuclei, and the stellar-mass black holes in binary star systems. This work, based on spectroscopy of relativistically-broadened iron lines, will also provide insights into the accretion phenomena that power the systems.
Another project will combine deep X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of the cores of galaxy clusters to study the physical conditions, turbulence, and acoustic waves and shocks in the intracluster medium, and constrain the physical nature of the feedback of radiative and mechanical energy from the galaxies in the cores of the cluster and the surrounding intergalactic gas in the clusters.
A related project will combine these X-ray data with multi-wavelength measurements of the intergalactic filaments and other gas components in the clusters, to understand the feedback processes linking cooling of intergalactic gas into the central galaxies and the subsequent heating of the surroundings by the central galaxies and their embedded black holes.
The Theory theme addresses a wide range of astrophysical phenomena ranging from the origin of the Universe itself to the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars and planets. One of the main areas of investigation is cosmology. Members of the IoA are playing a leading role in the European Space Agency Planck mission, and will lead a definitive determination of the cosmological parameters including the age, size, dark matter, dark energy and baryonic contents of the Universe. Another project will carry out theoretical simulations and analysis of the subsequent evolution of cosmic structure during the epoch of reionisation, when the first stars and galaxies were formed.
Star formation is another major focus of the grant, on scales ranging from galaxies, where the molecular clouds giving birth to stars are formed, to the formation of stars and star clusters within these molecular clouds. These investigations will combine state-of-the-art numerical simulations with analytical theory and a rich new set of multi-wavelength observations of nearby galaxies being obtained with the Herschel and Spitzer space observatories under IoA leadership.
The understanding of planetary systems around stars and their formation is another goal of the Theory theme. One project will focus on modelling the properties of debris discs, discs of asteroids, cometary objects, and dust surrounding stars, using a complete IoA-led survey of nearby stars with the Herschel observatory (DEBRIS project). Another project is directed at modelling the evolution of the planetary orbits themselves in different stellar environments and stellar evolutionary stages.
The final component of the Theoretical Astronomy theme is the modelling of binary star systems, and improving our understanding of how double star systems evolve when the component stars are immersed in a common envelope. This phase of evolution is important for understanding a wide range of observed stellar systems including cataclysmic variables, X-ray binaries, and the progenitors of supernovae, including the Type Ia supernovae which are used as cosmological standard candles.
The second theme of the proposal is X-ray Astronomy. The research will exploit a large body of observations of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and Galactic X-ray binary systems being obtained by the X-ray group on the Chandra, XMM-Newton, Suzaku and ASTRO-H X-ray observatories to carry out three projects.
One project will carry out measurements of the spin of black holes, both the supermassive black holes which power the enormous energy emissions from quasars and other active galactic nuclei, and the stellar-mass black holes in binary star systems. This work, based on spectroscopy of relativistically-broadened iron lines, will also provide insights into the accretion phenomena that power the systems.
Another project will combine deep X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of the cores of galaxy clusters to study the physical conditions, turbulence, and acoustic waves and shocks in the intracluster medium, and constrain the physical nature of the feedback of radiative and mechanical energy from the galaxies in the cores of the cluster and the surrounding intergalactic gas in the clusters.
A related project will combine these X-ray data with multi-wavelength measurements of the intergalactic filaments and other gas components in the clusters, to understand the feedback processes linking cooling of intergalactic gas into the central galaxies and the subsequent heating of the surroundings by the central galaxies and their embedded black holes.
Planned Impact
The main societal impacts of this research are in the areas of public engagement and inspiration of future young scientists. Many of the proposed projects are coupled to high-profile missions and investigations,
which will impact the public through press and image releases, public lectures, interviews with the print, radio, and television media, popular articles and books, and formally organised outreach activities.
Projects which are sure to produce high-impact science in the public area include the announcement of first full results on cosmological parameters from the ESA Planck mission in early 2013, work on deep X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of clusters with the XMM-Newton and Chandra missions, and the interpretations of data from the Herschel Space Observatory on star formation in galaxies and debris discs. The Co-Applicants and their collaborators have established a heritage of high-visibility results in these and related areas, and will coordinate closely with media and outreach offices of the STFC, ESA, and relevant mission offices.
The Institute of Astronomy fully embraces the outreach agenda of the STFC, and the research activities in the Theoretical Astronomy and X-ray Astronomy themes form core components feeding these activities. Impacts will arise from a combination of IoA-organised efforts and individual activities by the Co-Applicants and PDRAs.
The wide range of outreach activity is made possible by the critical mass of astronomy activity at IoA and through contributions from our major research grants and from Departmental resources. These include weekly public evening lectures and (weather permitting) observing sessions in the winter which attract more than 1500 people per year, an annual open day which attracts comparable numbers in a single afternoon and evening, one-day schools workshops, on-line newsletters, podcasts, and an informal website, and an Artist-in-Residence programme.
Virtually every Co-Applicant and PDRA also undertakes public engagement and outreach activities individually, and many (e.g., Crawford, Efstathiou, Fabian, Kennicutt, Rees) have engaged in scores of activities over the past five years, via named and national public lectures, speaking at national amateur astronomy meetings and festivals, radio and television interviews and programmes, and by writing popular articles and books. Worth of special mention is the recent work by Fabian with the STFC in developing a booklet "A New View of the Universe: Big Science for a Big Society" which presents the scientific and Council objectives for astronomy in the coming decade, and documents the many broader economic and societal impacts of astronomy, ranging from technology transfer (e.g., WIFI, GPS, detectors, adaptive optics) to major societal priorities (e.g., climate change, energy sustainability). Co-Applicant C. Crawford, in addition to leading the IoA outreach programme, is an active spokesperson for astronomy in her own right, and in 2009 was received a UKRC Woman of Outstanding Achievement award in recognition of her work in fostering engagement between scientists and the public. Last but hardly least Co-Applicant and Astronomer Royal M. Rees continues to serve as one of the UK's leaders in the scientific community, and has engaged with the public on countless occasions through books and popular articles, public lectures, and most recently through is service as President of the Royal Society.
The effectiveness of this collection of activities owes much of its success to the work of the IoA Outreach Officer, Co-Applicant Carolin Crawford. This work is supported by an 0.5 FTE appointment, and this proposal requests funding for 40% of this work (0.2 FTE), which we estimate represents the fraction of activities relating to the work of the Applicants and PDRAs on this grant.
which will impact the public through press and image releases, public lectures, interviews with the print, radio, and television media, popular articles and books, and formally organised outreach activities.
Projects which are sure to produce high-impact science in the public area include the announcement of first full results on cosmological parameters from the ESA Planck mission in early 2013, work on deep X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of clusters with the XMM-Newton and Chandra missions, and the interpretations of data from the Herschel Space Observatory on star formation in galaxies and debris discs. The Co-Applicants and their collaborators have established a heritage of high-visibility results in these and related areas, and will coordinate closely with media and outreach offices of the STFC, ESA, and relevant mission offices.
The Institute of Astronomy fully embraces the outreach agenda of the STFC, and the research activities in the Theoretical Astronomy and X-ray Astronomy themes form core components feeding these activities. Impacts will arise from a combination of IoA-organised efforts and individual activities by the Co-Applicants and PDRAs.
The wide range of outreach activity is made possible by the critical mass of astronomy activity at IoA and through contributions from our major research grants and from Departmental resources. These include weekly public evening lectures and (weather permitting) observing sessions in the winter which attract more than 1500 people per year, an annual open day which attracts comparable numbers in a single afternoon and evening, one-day schools workshops, on-line newsletters, podcasts, and an informal website, and an Artist-in-Residence programme.
Virtually every Co-Applicant and PDRA also undertakes public engagement and outreach activities individually, and many (e.g., Crawford, Efstathiou, Fabian, Kennicutt, Rees) have engaged in scores of activities over the past five years, via named and national public lectures, speaking at national amateur astronomy meetings and festivals, radio and television interviews and programmes, and by writing popular articles and books. Worth of special mention is the recent work by Fabian with the STFC in developing a booklet "A New View of the Universe: Big Science for a Big Society" which presents the scientific and Council objectives for astronomy in the coming decade, and documents the many broader economic and societal impacts of astronomy, ranging from technology transfer (e.g., WIFI, GPS, detectors, adaptive optics) to major societal priorities (e.g., climate change, energy sustainability). Co-Applicant C. Crawford, in addition to leading the IoA outreach programme, is an active spokesperson for astronomy in her own right, and in 2009 was received a UKRC Woman of Outstanding Achievement award in recognition of her work in fostering engagement between scientists and the public. Last but hardly least Co-Applicant and Astronomer Royal M. Rees continues to serve as one of the UK's leaders in the scientific community, and has engaged with the public on countless occasions through books and popular articles, public lectures, and most recently through is service as President of the Royal Society.
The effectiveness of this collection of activities owes much of its success to the work of the IoA Outreach Officer, Co-Applicant Carolin Crawford. This work is supported by an 0.5 FTE appointment, and this proposal requests funding for 40% of this work (0.2 FTE), which we estimate represents the fraction of activities relating to the work of the Applicants and PDRAs on this grant.
Organisations
Publications
Mislis D
(2012)
Estimating transiting exoplanet masses from precise optical photometry
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mittal R
(2012)
Herschel observations of extended atomic gas in the core of the Perseus cluster Herschel observations of the Perseus cluster
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mocz P
(2013)
Cosmological growth and feedback from supermassive black holes
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Moeckel N
(2012)
The rapid dispersal of low-mass virialized clusters The rapid dispersal of low-mass clusters
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Moeckel N
(2012)
Exoplanets bouncing between binary stars Exoplanets bouncing between binary stars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mofiz U
(2011)
Growing electrostatic modes in the isothermal pair plasma of the pulsar magnetosphere
in Astrophysics and Space Science
Mofiz U
(2013)
Langmuir dark solitons in dense ultrarelativistic electron-positron gravito-plasma in pulsar magnetosphere
in Astrophysics and Space Science
Mortlock D
(2012)
Probabilistic selection of high-redshift quasars Probabilistic quasar selection
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mosleh M
(2012)
THE EVOLUTION OF MASS-SIZE RELATION FOR LYMAN BREAK GALAXIES FROM z = 1 to z = 7
in The Astrophysical Journal
Mustill A
(2012)
Dependence of a planet's chaotic zone on particle eccentricity: the shape of debris disc inner edges Eccentric chaotic zone
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mustill A
(2013)
Main-sequence progenitor configurations of the NN Ser candidate circumbinary planetary system are dynamically unstable
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mustill A
(2014)
Long-term evolution of three-planet systems to the post-main sequence and beyond
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nandra K
(2011)
GRAVITAS: general relativistic astrophysics via timing and spectroscopy
in Experimental Astronomy
Nardini E
(2012)
Investigating the reflection contribution to the X-ray emission of Ton S180 X-ray reflection in Ton S180
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nefs S
(2012)
Four ultra-short-period eclipsing M-dwarf binaries in the WFCAM Transit Survey Eclipsing M-dwarf binaries in WTS
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nicuesa Guelbenzu A
(2012)
Multi-color observations of short GRB afterglows: 20 events observed between 2007 and 2010
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Nicuesa Guelbenzu A
(2012)
The late-time afterglow of the extremely energetic short burst GRB 090510 revisited
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Niederste-Ostholt M
(2012)
A tale twice told: the luminosity profiles of the Sagittarius tails The luminosity profiles of the Sagittarius tails
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nierenberg A
(2012)
LUMINOUS SATELLITES. II. SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION, LUMINOSITY FUNCTION, AND COSMIC EVOLUTION
in The Astrophysical Journal
Nipoti C
(2012)
Size and velocity-dispersion evolution of early-type galaxies in a ? cold dark matter universe Evolution of early-type galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Norris J
(2013)
THE MOST METAL-POOR STARS. IV. THE TWO POPULATIONS WITH [Fe/H] ? -3.0
in The Astrophysical Journal
Norris John E.
(2013)
THE MOST METAL-POOR STARS. IV. THE TWO POPULATIONS WITH [Fe/H] ?-3.0
in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
Norris R
(2013)
EMU: Evolutionary Map of the Universe
in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
North P
(2012)
Manganese in dwarf spheroidal galaxies
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Nulsen P
(2013)
DEEP CHANDRA OBSERVATIONS OF A2199: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN MERGER-INDUCED GAS MOTIONS AND NUCLEAR OUTBURSTS IN A COOL CORE CLUSTER
in The Astrophysical Journal
Obreschkow D
(2013)
A ROBUST MEASURE OF COSMIC STRUCTURE BEYOND THE POWER SPECTRUM: COSMIC FILAMENTS AND THE TEMPERATURE OF DARK MATTER
in The Astrophysical Journal
Oesch P
(2012)
THE BRIGHT END OF THE ULTRAVIOLET LUMINOSITY FUNCTION AT z ~ 8: NEW CONSTRAINTS FROM CANDELS DATA IN GOODS-SOUTH
in The Astrophysical Journal
Oesch P
(2012)
EXPANDED SEARCH FOR z ~ 10 GALAXIES FROM HUDF09, ERS, AND CANDELS DATA: EVIDENCE FOR ACCELERATED EVOLUTION AT z > 8?
in The Astrophysical Journal
Owen J
(2012)
On the theory of disc photoevaporation The theory of photoevaporation
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Owen J
(2013)
Characterizing thermal sweeping: a rapid disc dispersal mechanism
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Owen J
(2012)
Two populations of transition discs?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Panagoulia E
(2013)
Searching for the missing iron mass in the core of the Centaurus cluster
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Panagoulia E
(2014)
A volume-limited sample of X-ray galaxy groups and clusters - I. Radial entropy and cooling time profiles
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Parker M
(2014)
Principal component analysis of MCG-06-30-15 with XMM-Newton
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Parkin T
(2012)
The gas-to-dust mass ratio of Centaurus A as seen by Herschel? The gas-to-dust mass ratio of Cen A
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Pasetto S
(2012)
Thin disk kinematics from RAVE and the solar motion
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pasetto S
(2012)
Thick disk kinematics from RAVE and the solar motion
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Patterson M
(2012)
An oxygen abundance gradient into the outer disc of M81? Oxygen abundances of M81 H ii regions
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Pettini M
(2012)
A new, precise measurement of the primordial abundance of deuterium The primordial abundance of deuterium
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
PeƱarrubia J
(2012)
THE COUPLING BETWEEN THE CORE/CUSP AND MISSING SATELLITE PROBLEMS
in The Astrophysical Journal
PeƱarrubia J
(2012)
A STATISTICAL METHOD FOR MEASURING THE GALACTIC POTENTIAL AND TESTING GRAVITY WITH COLD TIDAL STREAMS
in The Astrophysical Journal
Pierini D
(2012)
First simultaneous optical/near-infrared imaging of an X-ray selected, high-redshift cluster of galaxies with GROND The galaxy population of XMMU J0338.7 + 0030 at z = 1.1?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pinto C
(2013)
Interstellar medium composition through X-ray spectroscopy of low-mass X-ray binaries
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pinto C
(2012)
A phenomenological model for the X-ray spectrum of nova V2491 Cygni
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pinto C
(2012)
Multiwavelength campaign on Mrk 509 IX. The Galactic foreground
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pinto C
(2012)
Reflection and dissipation of Alfvén waves in interstellar clouds
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Ponti G
(2012)
Multiwavelength campaign on Mrk 509 XI. Reverberation of the Fe K a line
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Potter A
(2012)
Stellar evolution of massive stars with a radiative a-O dynamo Stellar evolution with a radiative dynamo
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Potter A
(2012)
Towards a unified model of stellar rotation - II. Model-dependent characteristics of stellar populations Stellar populations including rotation
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Potter A
(2012)
Towards a unified model of stellar rotation Towards a unified model of stellar rotation
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society