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
Tang M
(2018)
The Properties of Planck Galactic Cold Clumps in the L1495 Dark Cloud
in The Astrophysical Journal
Jackson J
(2018)
G337.342-0.119 (The "Pebble"): A Cold, Dense, High-mass Molecular Cloud with Unusually Large Line Widths and a Candidate High-mass Star Cluster Progenitor
in The Astrophysical Journal
Whitaker J. S.
(2018)
VizieR Online Data Catalog: MALT90 kinematic distances to molecular clumps (Whitaker+, 2017)
in VizieR Online Data Catalog
Sitaram M.
(2018)
Spectroscopic classification of PNV J00424144+4117377 and PNV J00414889+4109148 as nova eruptions in M31
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Davies B
(2018)
Asynchronous glacier dynamics during the Antarctic Cold Reversal in central Patagonia
in Quaternary Science Reviews
Beaton R
(2018)
Old-Aged Primary Distance Indicators
in Space Science Reviews
Darnley M. J.
(2018)
Liverpool Telescope observations of five Local Group nova candidates
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Dalessandro E
(2018)
The Peculiar Radial Distribution of Multiple Populations in the Massive Globular Cluster M80
in The Astrophysical Journal
Beuther H
(2018)
Fragmentation and disk formation during high-mass star formation IRAM NOEMA (Northern Extended Millimeter Array) large program CORE
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Yi H
(2018)
Planck Cold Clumps in the ? Orionis Complex. II. Environmental Effects on Core Formation
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Prentice S
(2018)
The Cow: Discovery of a Luminous, Hot, and Rapidly Evolving Transient
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Kaur A.
(2018)
Recurrent Nova M31N 2008-12a: Multi-color optical photometric observations of the 2018 eruption with SARA-KPNO and SARA-ORM
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Margutti R.
(2018)
Target of Opportunity Observations of Gravitational Wave Events with LSST
in arXiv e-prints
Darnley M. J.
(2018)
Recurrent Nova M31N 2008-12a: discovery of the 2018 eruption
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Fabrika S.
(2018)
Spectroscopic confirmation and photometry of the M31 nova ASASSN-18ca (= PNV J00423439+4044255)
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Hogge T.
(2018)
VizieR Online Data Catalog: Radio Ammonia Mid-plane Survey (RAMPS) pilot survey (Hogge+, 2018)
in VizieR Online Data Catalog
Anderson J
(2018)
A nearby super-luminous supernova with a long pre-maximum & "plateau" and strong C II features
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Darnley M
(2018)
On the Progenitor System of V392 Persei
in Research Notes of the AAS
Hornoch K.
(2018)
Independent Discovery of a Probable Nova in M81
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Aydi E
(2018)
Multiwavelength observations of V407 Lupi (ASASSN-16kt) - a very fast nova erupting in an intermediate polar
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Prentice S
(2018)
SN 2016coi/ASASSN-16fp: an example of residual helium in a typeIc supernova?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Martone R.
(2018)
GRB 181022A: LCO Sutherland observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Wang Y.
(2018)
VizieR Online Data Catalog: THOR survey in northern Galactic plane (Wang+, 2018)
in VizieR Online Data Catalog
Csengeri T.
(2018)
VizieR Online Data Catalog: G328.2551-0.5321 ALMA images (Csengeri+, 2018)
in VizieR Online Data Catalog
Eden D
(2018)
Extreme star formation in the Milky Way: luminosity distributions of young stellar objects in W49A and W51
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Williams S. C.
(2018)
Spectroscopic classification of TCP J17140253-2849233 as a Galactic nova
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Wagner R. M.
(2018)
Optical Spectroscopy of TCP J04432130+4721280 (V392 Per) Confirms a Nova Eruption
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Kucakova H.
(2018)
Independent Discovery of a Probable Nova in M81
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Mehrtens N.
(2018)
VizieR Online Data Catalog: BOSS galaxies in X-ray clusters (Mehrtens+, 2016)
in VizieR Online Data Catalog
Williams S. C.
(2018)
Spectroscopic classification of PNV J17422408-2053088 as a Galactic nova
in The Astronomer's Telegram
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
Hornoch K.
(2018)
Independent Discovery of an Apparent Nova in M81
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Kunder A
(2018)
Impact of Distance Determinations on Galactic Structure. II. Old Tracers
in Space Science Reviews
Brimacombe J.
(2018)
ASAS-SN Transient Discovery Report for 2018-11-06
in Transient Name Server Discovery Report
Hornoch K.
(2018)
Discovery of a Probable Nova in M81
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Orio Marina
(2018)
Discussion II: Nova outflows, modelling TNRs and the outburst versus multi-wavelength observations and links to SN Type Ia
in 42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
Ashall C
(2018)
On the type Ia supernovae 2007on and 2011iv: evidence for Chandrasekhar-mass explosions at the faint end of the luminosity-width relationship
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Aydi E
(2018)
Multiwavelength observations of V407 Lupi (ASASSN-16kt) - a very fast nova erupting in an intermediate polar
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
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180103A: LCO Sutherland 1-m telescope observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Förster F
(2018)
Author Correction: The delay of shock breakout due to circumstellar material evident in most type II supernovae
in Nature Astronomy
Savino A
(2018)
MORGOTH: incorporating horizontal branch modelling into star formation history determinations
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Guidorzi C.
(2018)
GRB 180809B: LCO Sutherland observations.
in GRB Coordinates Network
Aydi E.
(2018)
SALT high-resolution optical spectroscopy of ASASSN-18pe
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Darnley M. J.
(2018)
ASASSN-18gb: Spectroscopic confirmation as a nova eruption in NGC 3109
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Davies B. I.
(2018)
Visualizing entanglement in atoms and molecules
in arXiv e-prints
Ahnen M
(2018)
Extreme HBL behavior of Markarian 501 during 2012
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Stanek K. Z.
(2018)
ASAS-SN Transient Discovery Report for 2018-11-09
in Transient Name Server Discovery Report
Jackson J
(2018)
G337.342-0.119 (The "Pebble"): A Cold, Dense, High-mass Molecular Cloud with Unusually Large Line Widths and a Candidate High-mass Star Cluster Progenitor
in The Astrophysical Journal
Kaur Amanpreet
(2018)
Recurrent Nova M31N 2008-12a: Early multi-color photometric observations of the 2017 eruption with SARA-ORM
in The Astronomer's Telegram
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 |