Interplay between Star Formation & AGN Feedback in Galaxy Formation Simulations
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Institute of Astronomy
Abstract
Major observational facilities, like JWST and ALMA, are dedicated to understanding the interaction between black holes and their host galaxies. In particular, the role of black holes in the formation and evolution of dwarf galaxies is hotly debated.
While the ACDM model has been successful in reproducing the observed large-scale structure, discrepancies between theory and observation remain on smaller scales. For example, the theory results in a higher abundance of low-mass dwarf galaxies than has so far been observed (the missing satellite problem). In addition, the observed dark matter distribution in dwarf galaxies seems to follow a core profile rather than the cusp profile predicted by the cold dark matter model.
Baryonic processes, in particular supernova feedback, are usually invoked as a solution to the above issues. However, supernova feedback might not be powerful enough for massive dwarf galaxies and getting the energetics right requires fine-tuning. Including additional baryonic processes, like AGN feedback, could resolve these problems.
It is therefore timely to study the physical properties of dwarf galaxies. The aim of this project is to develop state-of-the-art numerical methods considering star formation and AGN feedback in tandem. We would like to determine whether AGN feedback could significantly affect dwarf galaxy evolution. Moreover, we would like to investigate whether our model for baryonic processes could significantly alter the distribution of dark matter. The GAIA survey may make it possible to dynamically determine the dark matter distribution of the local dwarfs providing us with valuable observational data to compare to.
Investigating which physical processes shape the luminosity function of galaxies, and in particular determining whether AGN feedback also affects the low-mass end, would allow us to expand the scope of this project to the full galaxy population.
While the ACDM model has been successful in reproducing the observed large-scale structure, discrepancies between theory and observation remain on smaller scales. For example, the theory results in a higher abundance of low-mass dwarf galaxies than has so far been observed (the missing satellite problem). In addition, the observed dark matter distribution in dwarf galaxies seems to follow a core profile rather than the cusp profile predicted by the cold dark matter model.
Baryonic processes, in particular supernova feedback, are usually invoked as a solution to the above issues. However, supernova feedback might not be powerful enough for massive dwarf galaxies and getting the energetics right requires fine-tuning. Including additional baryonic processes, like AGN feedback, could resolve these problems.
It is therefore timely to study the physical properties of dwarf galaxies. The aim of this project is to develop state-of-the-art numerical methods considering star formation and AGN feedback in tandem. We would like to determine whether AGN feedback could significantly affect dwarf galaxy evolution. Moreover, we would like to investigate whether our model for baryonic processes could significantly alter the distribution of dark matter. The GAIA survey may make it possible to dynamically determine the dark matter distribution of the local dwarfs providing us with valuable observational data to compare to.
Investigating which physical processes shape the luminosity function of galaxies, and in particular determining whether AGN feedback also affects the low-mass end, would allow us to expand the scope of this project to the full galaxy population.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/R50466X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1951902 | Studentship | ST/R50466X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/04/2021 | Sophie Koudmani |
| Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Designed and led an activity for the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) Open Afternoon, which is attended by over 1200 people each year. We designed an interactive 'Astronomical Guess Who' game mainly aimed at primary school children but also suitable for older audiences. The aim of this activity was to showcase the wide variety of astronomical objects (different types of planets, stars, or galaxies) and the most important characteristics that can be used to tell them apart. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
| URL | https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/ |
| Description | Outreach talk to overseas high school students: 'Simulating the Universe' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | About 15 female high school pupils from China (all high achievers) attended this talk which was part of a longer UK visit. This visit had the aim to encourage promising female pupils to pursue a STEM career. The talk was designed to be interactive and led to a lively discussion with the participants. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Public introductory lecture: 'Galaxies and the Milky Way' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This lecture was part of the 12-week Introduction to Astronomy course run by the Cambridge Astronomical Association. These lectures are aimed at people over 16 who are new to Astronomy. The talk was followed by questions as well as more informal discussion at the tea session after the talk. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Public talk: 'Are black holes heating up dwarf galaxies?' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk at the Churchill College 'Conference on Everything', which is mainly aimed at the college's postgraduate students (across all disciplines) and the college fellows. I presented my work on simulations of galaxy formation and the role of active black holes in the evolution of dwarf galaxies, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |