Astronomy Theory at Newcastle University

The proposed research programme in astronomy theory at Newcastle University includes six projects. Their unifying theme is the focus on hydrodynamic (HD) and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes, ranging in scale from stars to the large-scale cosmological structure. Newcastle is an internationally leading research centre in the area of astrophysical HD and, especially, MHD. The proposed research involves a wide range of physical processes and a wide range of models and tools, including effective field theory models in cosmology, and analytical MHD models and state-of-the-art numerical simulations for a range of astrophysical objects in a variety of geometries. All of the proposed work also includes extensive comparisons with the latest observations.

The proposed programme will contribute to several research areas of strategic importance, including problems identified in
STFC's Big Questions of Science Roadmap:

A:2 How did structure first form? (Project 4: Psi in the sky: Dark Matter as a light scalar, Project 6: Magnetic fields in the cosmic web)

A:3 What are the roles of dark matter and dark energy? (Project 4)

A:5 How do galaxies evolve? (Project 1: New methods for exploiting broadband radio-polarimetry, Project 3: A new generation of semi-analytic galaxy formation models., and Project 5: Internal gravity waves in evolved, intermediate mass stars)

A:6 How do stars form and how do they evolve? (Project 2: Superfluid dynamics in neutron stars and Project 5)

D:1 How do the laws of physics work when driven to the extremes? (Project 2)

D:2 How can high energy particles and gravitational waves tell us about the extreme universe? (Project 3)

D:3 How do ultra-compact objects form, what is their nature and how does extreme gravity impact on their surroundings? (Project 2)

Our results will be of interest to scientists working in various subjects areas, including cosmology, galactic and extra-galactic astronomy, cosmic ray physics, dynamo theory, radio astronomy, the physics of the interstellar medium, and massive and compact stars. In terms of academic impact, we will ensure that we attend conferences that will enable us to disseminate our results effectively to the international community of scientists working in these fields of research. Although our work is primarily theoretical, it is motivated by observations, and our intention is to produce results that can be used to interpret observational data. It will therefore be important for us to communicate effectively with observers. We shall be using some of the visitor money that we are requesting as part of this grant to further develop existing links with observers.

We have identified some areas of the proposed research that may be beneficial to wider society. These are: the development and application of new image analysis methods that may be applicable to medical image processing; the
techniques that we use to handle large data sets resulting from numerical simulations that connect to widespread problems in handling "big data"; and using our expertise in modelling random systems in new areas, such as the growth of stem cell colonies. We have already begun to form new research partnerships in these areas.

On an individual level, this research will also have a positive impact upon the PDRA's careers. Clearly, they will gain significant and transferable experience in these subject areas. Furthermore, by developing and using complex, state-of-the-art general purpose numerical codes in a parallel computing environment, they will gain significant expertise in numerical work. They will also develop their communication skills by presenting research at conferences. Our engagement in, and active support of, a broad network of intense international collaborations will provide the young researchers with international networking and collaboration skills. Our PDRAs are regular participants of national and international summer and winter schools that offer unique opportunities to extends their knowledge base and establish international contacts with their peers. Even if some PDRAs do not pursue an academic career, such skills are highly valued in many other employment sectors.

Astronomy research is particularly well suited to outreach work. We have an active outreach programme working with local schools, including giving "Masterclasses" on Applied Mathematics and lecturing at our "Partners" summer schools for pupils attending local schools, many in deprived areas, which do not send many students to universities. Building upon our previous experience in this area, we intend to introduce simple, and yet deep, ideas from our research into these outreach activities.