Astrophysics Research at Liverpool John Moores University: Consolidated Grant Renewal (2018-2021)
Lead Research Organisation:
Liverpool John Moores University
Department Name: Astrophysics Research Institute
Abstract
We will carry out work at the forefront of astrophysics using both observations and theory. The ARI's mission is to be a world-leading research centre at the highest international level of excellence. Our research uses the most advanced facilities and data analysis techniques and ARI staff are leading many of the new generation surveys. The projects in this case are technically demanding and require PDRA and other support to aid the delivery of the science.
Building on ARI's world-leading expertise in star formation (SF), we will investigate the connection between SF and gas physics in the Milky Way by: mapping the SF efficiency in 3-D and studying the connection between SF and the gas distribution close to the Galactic Centre. In a parallel study we will determine how very massive stars assemble by deriving properties of newly identified high mass pre-stellar cores in the Galactic Centre. Exploiting survey data from JCMT and Herschel and large allocations of time on the world's best mm observatory, ALMA, we will answer key questions about the connection between SF and the dense-gas physics, and the early growth of monster stars. We will also carry out simulations of the formation of stars in globular clusters. This will significantly extend previous work by incorporating realistic treatment of the precursor gas for the first time and provide a major step forward in understanding the formation of these systems.
In the area of stellar populations we will deliver a new perspective on the physical processes determining the formation and structure of the Milky Way, using extensive data from APOGEE-2, Gaia and WEAVE. These data will be used to determine orbital properties of Galactic stars and integrated with mock catalogues from models of galaxy formation, such as the EAGLE simulations.
In time-domain astrophysics we will perform an in-depth programme to study the properties of gamma-ray bursts, Supernovae Types: Ia, II and Ib/c, and their environments. We will establish the pathways to SNe Type Ia by measuring the size of a new class of Rapidly Recurring Novae in and beyond the Local Group. We will also partake in the new science of gravitational waves by searching for the electro-magnetic counterparts to coalescing binaries. We will use the most energetic transients as probes of the high-redshift Universe providing new estimates of the star-formation density at reionization. These activities capitalise on ARI's growing expertise in this field and exploit our privileged access to: (i) the SN detection surveys iPTF/ZTF; (ii) LIGO-Virgo EM follow-up experiments; (iii) the Swift-based SHOALS survey;
(iv) observations on a range of leading astronomical facilities including our own Liverpool Telescope (LT). Building on our lead in polarization measurements of transients, we will exploit the new time-domain polarimeter (MOPTOP) on the LT. We will thereby place new constraints on the magnetic field and physical geometries in extreme environments encountered in gamma-ray bursts, blazars and novae.
In galaxy evolution we will investigate the baryonic mass assembly in the Universe focussing on observations of low-luminosity galaxies and diffuse light in and around galaxies. This is essential to fully exploit the science from new facilities such as Euclid, eROSITA and LSST, in which the applicants have a strong investment. The ARI is at the forefront of developing realistic models of galaxy formation using the EAGLE and BAHAMAS simulations. Thus, through a parallel initiative to our observational work we will develop sophisticated virtual observations, delivering both ray-traced weak lensing maps and predictions of the faint stellar halo light for comparison with results from Gaia, Euclid and LSST.
To engage the public in STFC science we propose to develop a range of resources for 5 projects covering the areas i) life of a star ii) "big" and "open" data iii) astronomical and cosmological simulations.
Building on ARI's world-leading expertise in star formation (SF), we will investigate the connection between SF and gas physics in the Milky Way by: mapping the SF efficiency in 3-D and studying the connection between SF and the gas distribution close to the Galactic Centre. In a parallel study we will determine how very massive stars assemble by deriving properties of newly identified high mass pre-stellar cores in the Galactic Centre. Exploiting survey data from JCMT and Herschel and large allocations of time on the world's best mm observatory, ALMA, we will answer key questions about the connection between SF and the dense-gas physics, and the early growth of monster stars. We will also carry out simulations of the formation of stars in globular clusters. This will significantly extend previous work by incorporating realistic treatment of the precursor gas for the first time and provide a major step forward in understanding the formation of these systems.
In the area of stellar populations we will deliver a new perspective on the physical processes determining the formation and structure of the Milky Way, using extensive data from APOGEE-2, Gaia and WEAVE. These data will be used to determine orbital properties of Galactic stars and integrated with mock catalogues from models of galaxy formation, such as the EAGLE simulations.
In time-domain astrophysics we will perform an in-depth programme to study the properties of gamma-ray bursts, Supernovae Types: Ia, II and Ib/c, and their environments. We will establish the pathways to SNe Type Ia by measuring the size of a new class of Rapidly Recurring Novae in and beyond the Local Group. We will also partake in the new science of gravitational waves by searching for the electro-magnetic counterparts to coalescing binaries. We will use the most energetic transients as probes of the high-redshift Universe providing new estimates of the star-formation density at reionization. These activities capitalise on ARI's growing expertise in this field and exploit our privileged access to: (i) the SN detection surveys iPTF/ZTF; (ii) LIGO-Virgo EM follow-up experiments; (iii) the Swift-based SHOALS survey;
(iv) observations on a range of leading astronomical facilities including our own Liverpool Telescope (LT). Building on our lead in polarization measurements of transients, we will exploit the new time-domain polarimeter (MOPTOP) on the LT. We will thereby place new constraints on the magnetic field and physical geometries in extreme environments encountered in gamma-ray bursts, blazars and novae.
In galaxy evolution we will investigate the baryonic mass assembly in the Universe focussing on observations of low-luminosity galaxies and diffuse light in and around galaxies. This is essential to fully exploit the science from new facilities such as Euclid, eROSITA and LSST, in which the applicants have a strong investment. The ARI is at the forefront of developing realistic models of galaxy formation using the EAGLE and BAHAMAS simulations. Thus, through a parallel initiative to our observational work we will develop sophisticated virtual observations, delivering both ray-traced weak lensing maps and predictions of the faint stellar halo light for comparison with results from Gaia, Euclid and LSST.
To engage the public in STFC science we propose to develop a range of resources for 5 projects covering the areas i) life of a star ii) "big" and "open" data iii) astronomical and cosmological simulations.
Planned Impact
The ARI developed the National Schools' Observatory (NSO) to foster the study of science, technology and maths in young people. This major educational resource, funded by LJMU, supports over 3,000 primary & secondary schools to access the LT and has delivered more than 100,000 individual observations.
The major form of impact in this case will be centred upon Projects 2,5,6,7 and 9 (see Pathways to Impact and Section 4). These will benefit schools, amateur astronomers and the general public and will be particularly suitable for low Science Capital groups and hard-to-reach demographics (STFC Public Engagement Strategy 2016-2021). This will build on our considerable experience gained through the NSO and a suite of Distance Learning courses. It will provide opportunities for "active engagement" in the process of research, through online resources that will: (i) explore the ongoing research and (ii) allow anyone to work alongside researchers and make unique contributions.
In addition, there will be other more traditional forms of public engagement, through an ambitious programme of talks, workshops, presentations, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and articles. These will vary with respect to audience: schools (from primary upwards), amateur astronomy societies, lecture societies, WI, etc. We will also showcase the new research at events organised by the ARI (such as the annual Merseyside Astronomy Day) and others (e.g. Light Night Liverpool). The ARI has a track record of delivering provision off-the-beaten path. For example, in 2015 a visit to the Island of Yell (Shetland) which coincided with the partial solar eclipse, engaged with 200 students from 4 different schools during a 36-hour period. To provide additional resources for this type of outreach an STFC Public Engagement Awards application has been submitted.
Obviously, an exposure to current research can stimulate inquiry and interest in any audience. However, perhaps a more important benefit is to use that stimulation to promote an appreciation of science as a whole. This is particularly important for engagement with schools where astronomy has a vital role to play in promoting science and other STEM subjects as potential careers. Finally, we will encourage and support all researchers, particularly research students and PDRAs, to share their research to a variety of audiences, with our experienced Engagement team providing training and mentoring.
The ARI also carries out single outreach events, benefitting often hard to reach audiences through working with non-science organisations to enhance their work while bringing our research to previous unengaged audiences. This sort of impact is difficult to predict, as it is usually opportunistic, but examples are: (i) arts organisations and artists (cinemas, art galleries, musicians, theatre and dance companies, sculptors, photographers, writers) and (ii) organisations promoting access to education (e.g. Ogden Trust). One example of this agile approach was our development of a show garden for the 2015 Chelsea Royal Horticultural Society Show, under the theme of "Dark Matter". Our garden not only won a Gold Medal and "Best in Category" award, and had international TV coverage (estimated 211 million viewers worldwide), but also allowed us to discuss aspects of physics and cosmology with over 14,000 visitors. The garden is now on permanent display at STFC's Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington.
The University support astronomy-themed events as part of its Foundation for Citizenship Roscoe lecture series, including recently Professors Monica O'Grady (OU) and Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt (ANU), who both attracted public audiences of nearly 1,000. In addition, the ARI organises public lectures to audiences of 200-300 in "hot" astronomy topics.
The major form of impact in this case will be centred upon Projects 2,5,6,7 and 9 (see Pathways to Impact and Section 4). These will benefit schools, amateur astronomers and the general public and will be particularly suitable for low Science Capital groups and hard-to-reach demographics (STFC Public Engagement Strategy 2016-2021). This will build on our considerable experience gained through the NSO and a suite of Distance Learning courses. It will provide opportunities for "active engagement" in the process of research, through online resources that will: (i) explore the ongoing research and (ii) allow anyone to work alongside researchers and make unique contributions.
In addition, there will be other more traditional forms of public engagement, through an ambitious programme of talks, workshops, presentations, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and articles. These will vary with respect to audience: schools (from primary upwards), amateur astronomy societies, lecture societies, WI, etc. We will also showcase the new research at events organised by the ARI (such as the annual Merseyside Astronomy Day) and others (e.g. Light Night Liverpool). The ARI has a track record of delivering provision off-the-beaten path. For example, in 2015 a visit to the Island of Yell (Shetland) which coincided with the partial solar eclipse, engaged with 200 students from 4 different schools during a 36-hour period. To provide additional resources for this type of outreach an STFC Public Engagement Awards application has been submitted.
Obviously, an exposure to current research can stimulate inquiry and interest in any audience. However, perhaps a more important benefit is to use that stimulation to promote an appreciation of science as a whole. This is particularly important for engagement with schools where astronomy has a vital role to play in promoting science and other STEM subjects as potential careers. Finally, we will encourage and support all researchers, particularly research students and PDRAs, to share their research to a variety of audiences, with our experienced Engagement team providing training and mentoring.
The ARI also carries out single outreach events, benefitting often hard to reach audiences through working with non-science organisations to enhance their work while bringing our research to previous unengaged audiences. This sort of impact is difficult to predict, as it is usually opportunistic, but examples are: (i) arts organisations and artists (cinemas, art galleries, musicians, theatre and dance companies, sculptors, photographers, writers) and (ii) organisations promoting access to education (e.g. Ogden Trust). One example of this agile approach was our development of a show garden for the 2015 Chelsea Royal Horticultural Society Show, under the theme of "Dark Matter". Our garden not only won a Gold Medal and "Best in Category" award, and had international TV coverage (estimated 211 million viewers worldwide), but also allowed us to discuss aspects of physics and cosmology with over 14,000 visitors. The garden is now on permanent display at STFC's Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington.
The University support astronomy-themed events as part of its Foundation for Citizenship Roscoe lecture series, including recently Professors Monica O'Grady (OU) and Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt (ANU), who both attracted public audiences of nearly 1,000. In addition, the ARI organises public lectures to audiences of 200-300 in "hot" astronomy topics.
Publications
Jeffreson S
(2018)
On the physical mechanisms governing the cloud lifecycle in the Central Molecular Zone of the Milky Way
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Barnes A
(2020)
Which feedback mechanisms dominate in the high-pressure environment of the central molecular zone?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Henshaw J
(2019)
'The Brick' is not a brick : a comprehensive study of the structure and dynamics of the central molecular zone cloud G0.253+0.016
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Bhargava S
(2020)
The XMM Cluster Survey: new evidence for the 3.5-keV feature in clusters is inconsistent with a dark matter origin
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Cunningham N
(2018)
Infall and outflow motions towards a sample of massive star-forming regions from the RMS survey
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ragan S
(2018)
The role of spiral arms in Milky Way star formation
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Clerc N
(2020)
SPIDERS: overview of the X-ray galaxy cluster follow-up and the final spectroscopic data release
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Martocchia S
(2018)
The search for multiple populations in Magellanic Cloud clusters -- IV. Coeval multiple stellar populations in the young star cluster NGC 1978
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Eden D
(2021)
Characteristic scale of star formation - I. Clump formation efficiency on local scales
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Maund J
(2019)
RINGO3 polarimetry of the Type I superluminous SN 2017egm
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Zhou C
(2019)
Star formation in IRDC G31.97+0.07
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Billington S
(2019)
The RMS survey: Ammonia mapping of the environment of young massive stellar objects - II?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Chevance M
(2020)
The lifecycle of molecular clouds in nearby star-forming disc galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Shrestha M
(2022)
Polarimetry and photometry of gamma-ray bursts afterglows with RINGO3
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Billington S
(2020)
ATLASGAL - relationship between dense star-forming clumps and interstellar masers
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Bertelli Motta C
(2018)
The Gaia-ESO Survey: evidence of atomic diffusion in M67?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Urquhart J
(2019)
ATLASGAL - molecular fingerprints of a sample of massive star-forming clumps?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Kruijssen J
(2018)
An uncertainty principle for star formation - II. A new method for characterizing the cloud-scale physics of star formation and feedback across cosmic history
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Jeffreson S
(2018)
On the physical mechanisms governing the cloud lifecycle in the Central Molecular Zone of the Milky Way
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Taubenberger S
(2019)
SN 2012dn from early to late times: 09dc-like supernovae reassessed?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Schuller F
(2021)
The SEDIGISM survey: First Data Release and overview of the Galactic structure
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Furnell K
(2018)
Exploring relations between BCG and cluster properties in the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources survey from 0.05 <z < 0.3
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Moriya T
(2019)
Synthetic spectra of energetic core-collapse supernovae and the early spectra of SN 2007bi and SN 1999as
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Kukkola A
(2019)
Mass calibration of the CODEX cluster sample using SPIDERS spectroscopy - I. The richness-mass relation
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Harvey E
(2020)
Two new nova shells associated with V4362 Sagittarii and DO Aquilae
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Davies B
(2020)
The 'red supergiant problem': the upper luminosity boundary of Type II supernova progenitors
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mazzali P
(2019)
The nature of PISN candidates: clues from nebular spectra
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Zhang Y
(2019)
Dark Energy Surveyed Year 1 results: calibration of cluster mis-centring in the redMaPPer catalogues
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Farahi A
(2019)
Mass variance from archival X-ray properties of Dark Energy Survey Year-1 galaxy clusters
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Chevance
(2019)
The lifecycle of molecular clouds in nearby star-forming disc galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Zhang Y
(2019)
Dark Energy Surveyed Year 1 results: calibration of cluster mis-centring in the redMaPPer catalogues
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Raiteri C
(2019)
The beamed jet and quasar core of the distant blazar 4C 71.07
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Copperwheat C
(2020)
Characterization of a dual-beam, dual-camera optical imaging polarimeter
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Green M
(2018)
High-speed photometry of Gaia14aae: an eclipsing AM CVn that challenges formation models
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ward J
(2020)
Towards a multitracer timeline of star formation in the LMC - I. Deriving the lifetimes of H i clouds
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Davies B
(2018)
The luminosities of cool supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds, and the Humphreys-Davidson limit revisited
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Billington S
(2020)
ATLASGAL - relationship between dense star-forming clumps and interstellar masers
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Winter A
(2020)
Prevalent externally driven protoplanetary disc dispersal as a function of the galactic environment
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Pian E
(2020)
PTF11rka: an interacting supernova at the crossroads of stripped-envelope and H-poor superluminous stellar core collapses
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Haydon D
(2020)
An uncertainty principle for star formation - V. The influence of dust extinction on star formation rate tracer lifetimes and the inferred molecular cloud lifecycle
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Dalgleish H
(2018)
Ionized gas kinematics in bipolar H ii regions
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Moriya T
(2019)
iPTF14hls as a variable hyper-wind from a very massive star
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
D'Ammando F
(2019)
Investigating the multiwavelength behaviour of the flat spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Zhuchkov R
(2020)
The intermediate nebular phase of SN 2014J: onset of clumping as the source of recombination
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Kruijssen J
(2018)
An uncertainty principle for star formation - II. A new method for characterizing the cloud-scale physics of star formation and feedback across cosmic history
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Beasor E
(2018)
A critical re-evaluation of the Thorne-Zytkow object candidate HV 2112
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Beasor E
(2020)
A new mass-loss rate prescription for red supergiants
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Kelvin L
(2018)
Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): variation in galaxy structure across the green valley
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Davies B
(2018)
The luminosities of cool supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds, and the Humphreys-Davidson limit revisited
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Beasor E
(2019)
Discrepancies in the ages of young star clusters; evidence for mergers?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Description | General Astrophysics Investigation. Projects into: time domain astrophysics, galaxy evolution, stellar evolution and star formation, computational galaxy evolution and instrumentation. |
Exploitation Route | New projects or facilities may follow - e.g. development of £25m New Robotic Telescope; development of ecology project in game park reserves, flying astro 10 micron cameras on drones to preserve protected animal species. The ARI's project combining infrared astronomical instrumentation expertise with drone technology is impacting the way conservation agencies around the world (e.g. WWF) conduct animal surveys. The thermal-drone enables safe, routine, efficient and cost-effective monitoring and management of animal populations over large and inhospitable areas, with a factor of up to 200x increase in survey efficiency over existing methods. This provides conservation agencies greatly improved data needed to quantify and mitigate biodiversity loss. The thermal drone system is being used routinely to help local fire-fighting teams to find/extinguish annual peat fires in Indonesia which are a major contributor to anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The orders of magnitude improvement in fire extinction efficiency the system offers over existing methods will hopefully lead to substantial reduction in CO2 emissions -- a leading cause of climate change. |
Sectors | Education,Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
URL | http://www.astro.ljmu.ac.uk |
Description | Substantial engagement activities across all levels - schools, public, parliamentary displays, highly-cited simulations papers. Two of our Outreach staff have fEC awards to carry out impact for two funded projects this grant. Under the directorship of Professor Steve Longmore, ARI has developed a major new research area connected to environmental impact, "Astro-ecology". Longmore and team are working with conservation agencies worldwide (e.g. WWF; Endangered Wildlife Trust; Wetland Wildlife trust; National Geographic; Borneo Nature Foundation; Indonesia National Parks; Chester Zoo; Knowsley Safari Park; Morecambe Bay Search and Rescue; several universities), flying infrared instrumentation developed for astronomical purposes on drones. Applications include: animal conservation in rain forests; peat fire detection in Indonesia and human rescue at sea. Starting with an internal LJMU startup award of £25k in 2016, this work has attracted more than £1m of external funding principally through two STFC/GCRF grant awards. The ARI's project combining infrared astronomical instrumentation expertise with drone technology is impacting the way conservation agencies around the world (e.g. WWF) conduct animal surveys. The thermal-drone enables safe, routine, efficient and cost-effective monitoring and management of animal populations over large and inhospitable areas, with a factor of up to 200x increase in survey efficiency over existing methods. This provides conservation agencies greatly improved data needed to quantify and mitigate biodiversity loss. The thermal drone system is being used routinely to help local fire-fighting teams to find/extinguish annual peat fires in Indonesia which are a major contributor to anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The orders of magnitude improvement in fire extinction efficiency the system offers over existing methods will hopefully lead to substantial reduction in CO2 emissions -- a leading cause of climate change. Overall income from this work has now surpassed £1.5m. |
First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Education,Environment |
Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | Developing automated detection and monitoring of peat fires in Indonesia with thermal infrared sensors under drones |
Amount | £361,615 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/S00288X/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2019 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Developing opportunities for in-depth citizen science using robotic telescopes |
Amount | £19,936 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/T017511/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 04/2020 |
Description | Developing opportunities for in-depth citizen science using robotic telescopes |
Amount | £19,936 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/T017511/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 05/2020 |
Description | Measuring Dark Matter, Neutral Hydrogen and Neutrino Mass with Next Generation Weak Lensing and Radio Data |
Amount | £472,707 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/S004858/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2020 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Using astronomy to create STEM clubs in schools in low science capital areas |
Amount | £14,870 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/T005610/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2020 |
End | 04/2022 |