Astronomy Research at Queen Mary 2012-2015
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: Astronomy Unit
Abstract
Our programme of research in Astronomy comprises projects spanning the breadth of the subject. We will study aspects of the solar system such as Saturn's ring system, the formation of the terrestrial planets, particle acceleration in the solar corona and turbulence in the solar wind. Although rooted in the solar system, the results of these projects will be relevant for many other astrophysical environments. We will study aspects of extra-solar planets, including formation and atmospheres. We will carry out projects to study cosmology and the early history of the Universe. Although the majority of our projects are theoretical, we will carry out observational projects such as the VISTA surveys. The large range of research areas provides a stimulating environment which encourages a view of Astronomy as the study of all of the Universe and its history.
We now know of many planets orbiting stars other than the Sun. How these extra-solar planets and those in our Solar System formed is a major unsolved question. Planets form in the gas-dust discs observed around young stars. We will use sophisticated computer simulations to model these discs, and examine the evolution of embedded planetesimals and planets. We will study collisions between planetesimals; migration of planets; gas accretion and gap formation in the disc by forming giant planets. We will examine the formation of rocky terrestrial planets using simulation codes which model planetary collisions. We will also examine atmospheric dynamics in short-period planets. Their proximity to the star generates intense heating and complex flow patterns which may be used to interpret observations of these hot planets.
The Cassini space mission has provided a wealth of images of the rings of Saturn. We will study the mechanism by which gravitational instability in a ring can be induced by a passing moon using the F ring-Prometheus system as a paradigm. We can model this in numerical simulations and test our results by comparison with actual rings and accompanying moonlets seen in Cassini data. The lifetime of Saturn's rings is an unsolved problem. The current best estimate suggests that the rings can only survive for ~400My, or <10% of the age of the solar system. We intend to investigate a possible means of "locking" the ring system using a resonance with a more massive, exterior moon such as Mimas. We will also provide the Rosetta CONSERT team with the latest information on Jupiter family comets.
The corona is the upper layer of the Sun's atmosphere and the source of the solar wind, the plasma which flows out through the solar system. Understanding how the solar wind stays hot is a key problem and we will study the role of plasma turbulence and how it dissipates at the smallest kinetic scales. The solar corona is also a source of energetic particles, and explaining how electrons and ions are accelerated in flares is a long-standing problem. We will study acceleration processes which use the interaction of waves (dispersive Alfven waves) and particles, based on realistic inhomogeneous plasma configurations. All these studies will use large-scale, self-consistent plasma simulations.
Cosmology has been transformed in recent years from a data poor to a very data rich area. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments and Large Scale Structure surveys have contributed to this transformation, challenging theoretical cosmologists to explain these data sets. We will work on four different but complementary projects. We will extend cosmological perturbation theory beyond linear order and apply it to new phenomena and observables. Our study of inflationary cosmology focuses on new multi-field models of the early universe and their observational consequences. We will investigate black holes as a probe of cosmology and particle physics, and study the so-called surfing effect in cosmology to obtain constraints on parity violation using the polarisation of the CMB.
We now know of many planets orbiting stars other than the Sun. How these extra-solar planets and those in our Solar System formed is a major unsolved question. Planets form in the gas-dust discs observed around young stars. We will use sophisticated computer simulations to model these discs, and examine the evolution of embedded planetesimals and planets. We will study collisions between planetesimals; migration of planets; gas accretion and gap formation in the disc by forming giant planets. We will examine the formation of rocky terrestrial planets using simulation codes which model planetary collisions. We will also examine atmospheric dynamics in short-period planets. Their proximity to the star generates intense heating and complex flow patterns which may be used to interpret observations of these hot planets.
The Cassini space mission has provided a wealth of images of the rings of Saturn. We will study the mechanism by which gravitational instability in a ring can be induced by a passing moon using the F ring-Prometheus system as a paradigm. We can model this in numerical simulations and test our results by comparison with actual rings and accompanying moonlets seen in Cassini data. The lifetime of Saturn's rings is an unsolved problem. The current best estimate suggests that the rings can only survive for ~400My, or <10% of the age of the solar system. We intend to investigate a possible means of "locking" the ring system using a resonance with a more massive, exterior moon such as Mimas. We will also provide the Rosetta CONSERT team with the latest information on Jupiter family comets.
The corona is the upper layer of the Sun's atmosphere and the source of the solar wind, the plasma which flows out through the solar system. Understanding how the solar wind stays hot is a key problem and we will study the role of plasma turbulence and how it dissipates at the smallest kinetic scales. The solar corona is also a source of energetic particles, and explaining how electrons and ions are accelerated in flares is a long-standing problem. We will study acceleration processes which use the interaction of waves (dispersive Alfven waves) and particles, based on realistic inhomogeneous plasma configurations. All these studies will use large-scale, self-consistent plasma simulations.
Cosmology has been transformed in recent years from a data poor to a very data rich area. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments and Large Scale Structure surveys have contributed to this transformation, challenging theoretical cosmologists to explain these data sets. We will work on four different but complementary projects. We will extend cosmological perturbation theory beyond linear order and apply it to new phenomena and observables. Our study of inflationary cosmology focuses on new multi-field models of the early universe and their observational consequences. We will investigate black holes as a probe of cosmology and particle physics, and study the so-called surfing effect in cosmology to obtain constraints on parity violation using the polarisation of the CMB.
Planned Impact
Outreach
Astronomy, with the combination of awe-inspiring images (eg VISTA images at eso.org) and the desire to explain how the Universe works, has always excited a deep interest in the general public. Astronomy and space science are often quoted by students as a motivation to continue studying science to university level. The wide ranging programme of proposed Astronomy research will be a basis for building on the Astronomy Unit's existing programme of outreach activities.
We will reach audiences of schools and the general public by websites, talks, exhibitions, outreach events, popular science articles and media appearances.
The Astronomy Unit has a long tradition of outreach activities, supported by the University with a Outreach Manager for Physics and Mathematics. We have been involved in the following:
* Week-long residential Astrophysics course for teachers covering the topic of Astrophysics sponsored by Goldsmiths' Company
www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/home/for-schools-colleges/goldsmiths-company-mathematics-course-for-teachers
* Cassini Scientist for a Day competition for 11-18 year olds run in conjunction with NASA. Students submit essays arguing for targets to be imaged by the Cassini spacecraft. The Astronomy Unit runs the UK and Ireland competition. www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/schools/cassini
* Cosmic Futures competition for 8-18 year olds run in conjunction with the Metro newspaper and the UK Space Agency. Students are tasked with producing a poster or essay describing the work of the UK Space Agency. Winners contribute to an astronomy magazine to be distributed nationally. This has evolved from our award-winning Media Space programme which has produced magazines on the topics of human spaceflight, Saturn, Jupiter and space careers. These were written and designed by 15-16 year olds from local schools in Tower Hamlets. For details on Cosmic Futures: www.cosmonline.co.uk/cosmic-futures. Details on Media Space: www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/schools/mediaspace
* Astrophysics Taster Course: aimed at A-level students, this one day course offers an insight into what it's like to study the subject at university. Lectures from the Astronomy Unit are a mixture of research and example subject lectures.
* Our Space resources: Space Tourist Richard Garriott spent 10 days on the International Space Station in 2008. Whilst he was there he filmed many science demonstrations. We were involved in collating the materials and resources and presenting them on an accessible site where films, images and sound clips can be downloaded for use. www.our-space.org Lesson plans and other resources for teachers are currently being prepared.
* Astronomy Unit postgraduate students have contributed to the schools programme at the Royal Observatory Greenwich by running workshops for visiting school groups.
* Physics Academy: we hold a week-long summer school for A-level students. They attend one day of lectures and then work on onespecific area in-depth. The Astronomy Unit offers a project for the students to follow and in 2010 this was on solar physics.
* Members of the Astronomy Unit deliver talks and workshops on their research for schools colleges and astronomy societies.
Knowledge Exchange
The proposed research is mostly of a theoretical nature in Astronomy, and not directly exploitable. However within the programme there are some suitable areas (eg plasma physics, computational modelling) for which we remain alert to opportunities for exploitation using the KE infrastructure in Queen Mary.
We will explore and participate in opportunities in interdisciplinary research. QM is likely to develop a focus on simulation within the Science & Engineering faculty and we will contribute expertise on HPC computer modelling.
Our research programme produces postdoctoral staff and postgraduate students with high level scientific and research skills contributing to the academic and industrial base. Often these move into areas other that Astronomy.
Astronomy, with the combination of awe-inspiring images (eg VISTA images at eso.org) and the desire to explain how the Universe works, has always excited a deep interest in the general public. Astronomy and space science are often quoted by students as a motivation to continue studying science to university level. The wide ranging programme of proposed Astronomy research will be a basis for building on the Astronomy Unit's existing programme of outreach activities.
We will reach audiences of schools and the general public by websites, talks, exhibitions, outreach events, popular science articles and media appearances.
The Astronomy Unit has a long tradition of outreach activities, supported by the University with a Outreach Manager for Physics and Mathematics. We have been involved in the following:
* Week-long residential Astrophysics course for teachers covering the topic of Astrophysics sponsored by Goldsmiths' Company
www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/home/for-schools-colleges/goldsmiths-company-mathematics-course-for-teachers
* Cassini Scientist for a Day competition for 11-18 year olds run in conjunction with NASA. Students submit essays arguing for targets to be imaged by the Cassini spacecraft. The Astronomy Unit runs the UK and Ireland competition. www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/schools/cassini
* Cosmic Futures competition for 8-18 year olds run in conjunction with the Metro newspaper and the UK Space Agency. Students are tasked with producing a poster or essay describing the work of the UK Space Agency. Winners contribute to an astronomy magazine to be distributed nationally. This has evolved from our award-winning Media Space programme which has produced magazines on the topics of human spaceflight, Saturn, Jupiter and space careers. These were written and designed by 15-16 year olds from local schools in Tower Hamlets. For details on Cosmic Futures: www.cosmonline.co.uk/cosmic-futures. Details on Media Space: www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/schools/mediaspace
* Astrophysics Taster Course: aimed at A-level students, this one day course offers an insight into what it's like to study the subject at university. Lectures from the Astronomy Unit are a mixture of research and example subject lectures.
* Our Space resources: Space Tourist Richard Garriott spent 10 days on the International Space Station in 2008. Whilst he was there he filmed many science demonstrations. We were involved in collating the materials and resources and presenting them on an accessible site where films, images and sound clips can be downloaded for use. www.our-space.org Lesson plans and other resources for teachers are currently being prepared.
* Astronomy Unit postgraduate students have contributed to the schools programme at the Royal Observatory Greenwich by running workshops for visiting school groups.
* Physics Academy: we hold a week-long summer school for A-level students. They attend one day of lectures and then work on onespecific area in-depth. The Astronomy Unit offers a project for the students to follow and in 2010 this was on solar physics.
* Members of the Astronomy Unit deliver talks and workshops on their research for schools colleges and astronomy societies.
Knowledge Exchange
The proposed research is mostly of a theoretical nature in Astronomy, and not directly exploitable. However within the programme there are some suitable areas (eg plasma physics, computational modelling) for which we remain alert to opportunities for exploitation using the KE infrastructure in Queen Mary.
We will explore and participate in opportunities in interdisciplinary research. QM is likely to develop a focus on simulation within the Science & Engineering faculty and we will contribute expertise on HPC computer modelling.
Our research programme produces postdoctoral staff and postgraduate students with high level scientific and research skills contributing to the academic and industrial base. Often these move into areas other that Astronomy.
Publications
Mousis O
(2014)
Scientific rationale for Saturn?s in situ exploration
in Planetary and Space Science
Mulryne D
(2012)
Three-form inflation and non-Gaussianity
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Mulryne D
(2013)
Transporting non-Gaussianity from sub to super-horizon scales
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Murray C
(2014)
The discovery and dynamical evolution of an object at the outer edge of Saturn's A ring
in Icarus
Nakama T
(2014)
Identifying the most crucial parameters of the initial curvature profile for primordial black hole formation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Nalson E
(2014)
Effects of non-linearities on magnetic field generation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Nalson E
(2013)
Quantifying the behaviour of curvature perturbations during inflation
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Negrello M
(2014)
Herschel *-ATLAS: deep HST/WFC3 imaging of strongly lensed submillimetre galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nelson R
(2013)
Linear and non-linear evolution of the vertical shear instability in accretion discs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Pechhacker R
(2012)
The effect of electron beam pitch angle and density gradient on solar type III radio bursts
in Physics of Plasmas
Pechhacker R
(2014)
Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation of electron acceleration by Langmuir waves in an inhomogeneous plasma
in Physics of Plasmas
Pechhacker R
(2012)
Electron cyclotron maser emission mode coupling to the z-mode on a longitudinal density gradient in the context of solar type III bursts
in Physics of Plasmas
Pierens A
(2013)
Migration and gas accretion scenarios for the Kepler 16, 34, and 35 circumbinary planets
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Polichtchouk I
(2012)
Baroclinic instability on hot extrasolar planets Baroclinic instability on extrasolar planets
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Polichtchouk I
(2014)
Intercomparison of general circulation models for hot extrasolar planets
in Icarus
Polnarev A
(2012)
Self-consistent initial conditions for primordial black hole formation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Rauer H
(2014)
The PLATO 2.0 mission
in Experimental Astronomy
Ripepi V
(2015)
The VMC Survey - XIII. Type II Cepheids in the Large Magellanic Cloud?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ripepi V
(2013)
The VMC Survey - VIII. First results for anomalous Cepheids?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ripepi V
(2012)
The VMC survey - V. First results for classical Cepheids VMC first results for classical Cepheids
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Rubele S
(2015)
The VMC survey - XIV. First results on the look-back time star formation rate tomography of the Small Magellanic Cloud?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Rubele S
(2012)
The VMC survey IV. The LMC star formation history and disk geometry from four VMC tiles???
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Saito R
(2012)
VVV DR1: The first data release of the Milky Way bulge and southern plane from the near-infrared ESO public survey VISTA variables in the Vía Láctea
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Saito R
(2012)
Milky Way demographics with the VVV survey I. The 84-million star colour-magnitude diagram of the Galactic bulge
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Schmitz H
(2013)
The effect of initial conditions on the electromagnetic radiation generation in type III solar radio bursts
in Physics of Plasmas
Seery D
(2012)
Inflationary perturbation theory is geometrical optics in phase space
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Selzer L
(2014)
TEMPERATURE ANISOTROPY IN THE PRESENCE OF ULTRA LOW FREQUENCY WAVES IN THE TERRESTRIAL FORESHOCK
in The Astrophysical Journal
Skender M
(2014)
Whistler wave generation by non-gyrotropic, relativistic, electron beams
in Physics of Plasmas
Soto M
(2013)
Milky Way demographics with the VVV survey II. Color transformations and near-infrared photometry for 136 million stars in the southern Galactic disk
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Sulaiman AH
(2015)
Quasiperpendicular High Mach Number Shocks.
in Physical review letters
Sundberg T
(2015)
Coherent wave activity in Mercury's magnetosheath
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Sundberg T
(2015)
Properties and origin of subproton-scale magnetic holes in the terrestrial plasma sheet
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Sundberg T
(2017)
The Dynamics of Very High Alfvén Mach Number Shocks in Space Plasmas
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Sundberg T
(2016)
ION ACCELERATION AT THE QUASI-PARALLEL BOW SHOCK: DECODING THE SIGNATURE OF INJECTION
in The Astrophysical Journal
Sutherland W
(2012)
A cosmic speed-trap: a gravity-independent test of cosmic acceleration using baryon acoustic oscillations A cosmic speed-trap
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sutherland W
(2014)
On the baryon acoustic oscillation amplitude as a probe of radiation density
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sutherland W
(2012)
On measuring the absolute scale of baryon acoustic oscillations On measuring the absolute scale of BAOs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sutherland W
(2015)
The Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA): Design, technical overview, and performance
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Sutherland W
(2015)
On the luminosity distance and the epoch of acceleration
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Tajeddine R
(2015)
Cassini ISS astrometry of the Saturnian satellites: Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Iapetus, and Phoebe 2004-2012
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Tajeddine R
(2013)
Astrometric reduction of Cassini ISS images of the Saturnian satellites Mimas and Enceladus
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Takahashi T
(2019)
Towards distinguishing variants of non-minimal inflation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Takahashi T
(2018)
Towards distinguishing variants of non-minimal inflation
Tatton B
(2013)
The VMC survey VII. Reddening map of the 30 Doradus field and the structure of the cold interstellar medium
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Thurgood J
(2015)
Self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations of fundamental and harmonic plasma radio emission mechanisms
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Tinetti G
(2012)
EChO Exoplanet characterisation observatory
in Experimental Astronomy
Tinetti G
(2015)
The EChO science case
in Experimental Astronomy
Tiscareno MS
(2013)
Observations of ejecta clouds produced by impacts onto Saturn's rings.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)