Non axi-symmetric radiative transfer models for spiral galaxies

This project will focus on the 3D radiative transfer modelling of the panchromatic spectral energy distribution of nearby galaxies, by taking into account the detail imaging information available from ground base and space-born observatories. In particular the student will model the face-on interacting spiral galaxy M51, which shows signs of strong non-axi symmetric structure. The aim would be to derive the 3D distribution of the different stellar populations and of the interstellar medium in M51 through a self-consistent approach, that would take into account both the detailed physics of star-forming regions as well as of the large-scale structure of its different morphological constituents. If a solution can be found the student will generalise the method to a larger sample of nearby face-on galaxies.