Data Science and Star Formation: Simulations Meet Observations
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Most stars form in dense, dynamic environments. However, it is difficult to quantify the initial conditions of star formation at later times, due to degeneracies in the evolution of star-forming regions. This project aims to marry simulation data with data from the Gaia mission to construct dynamical histories of star-forming regions and to constrain the birth environments of stars like the Sun. The student will apply state-of-the-art analysis techniques used in data science to extract as much information as possible from the simulatated and observed data.
People |
ORCID iD |
Richard Parker (Primary Supervisor) | |
Christina Schoettler (Student) |
Publications

Parker R
(2020)
Runaway and walkaway stars from the ONC with Gaia DR2
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Schoettler C
(2022)
Constraining the initial conditions of NGC 2264 using ejected stars found in Gaia DR2
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Schoettler C
(2021)
Double trouble: Gaia reveals (proto)planetary systems that may experience more than one dense star-forming environment
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters

Schoettler C
(2019)
Dynamical evolution of star-forming regions: III. Unbound stars and predictions for Gaia
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ST/P006795/1 | 30/09/2017 | 29/09/2024 | |||
2024738 | Studentship | ST/P006795/1 | 30/09/2017 | 09/04/2022 | Christina Schoettler |
Description | The research done related to this award has found that ejected stars can be used to constrain the initial conditions of star-forming regions by combining N-body simulations with Gaia observations. |
Exploitation Route | The outcomes of the funding can be used to further research in this area by following up with more examples of applications of the method based on more detailed data from observations. There is no use of the outcomes for anyone outside the Astronomy research area. |
Sectors | Other |
Description | Postgraduate Researcher Experience Programme (PREP) |
Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2018 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | Talk to pupils as part of Discover STEM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Research talk as part of the Discover STEM' summer school for Y11 - Y13 school pupils (15-18 year olds) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |