From Stellar to Extragalactic Astronomy at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium 2021-2024

The projects covered in this consolidated grant bid covers a range of questions in stellar, galactic and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics. On the stellar side, the proposed projects deals with the role of stellar magnetic fields, stellar flares and the late stages of stellar evolution. In particular, we aim to understand the origin of magnetic fields in white dwarves, of energetic flares in Solar-type stars and less massive stars and of some of the most exotic and puzzling metal-rich stars. In our Galaxy we aim to understand the origin gamma-ray particles as will be soon observed by Cherenkov Telescope Array by mapping the distribution of the densest clouds of gas where gamma rays are produced. Finally, we aim to understand how elliptical and lenticular galaxies grew by accreting other satellite galaxies, by delving in the properties of their stellar outskirts where the record of such events are still preserved.

- Academic impact: please refer to the Academic Beneficiaries Section

- Economic impact: indirectly our research has an economic impact through the training of the PhD students working at our projects, as these often end up in well-paid jobs outside academia bringing with them STEM, writing and communication skills. Our research also indirectly provides funding to the private sector, through the support AOP is capable of leveraging toward the development of new instrumentation relating for instance to the GOTO, CTA and SALT observing facilities.

- Public Engagement & Outreach: through the use of its planetarium, AOP in a strong position as a national centre to inspire the next generations in the economically key STEM subjects, while more generally promoting to general public the importance of rational and analytic thinking in an age dominated by fast-paced, but also dispersive, communications. Our research feeds directly to the planetarium work. It features in dome shows and on poster boards, within programmes providing curriculum support to teachers in schools, as part of the education work with students who come to the Planetarium (ranging from primary to A-levels), in talks and workshops that are part of open evenings, special events or group visits and in articles appearing on the "Astronotes" blog and other AOP social network channels. In addition our research features in short-term projects for school-age or undergraduate students, further contributing towards generating an interest in the uptake of a STEM education or career.