A consolidated grant for Sheffield Astrophysics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The aim of this proposal is to support a programme of internationally excellent research in astrophysics at Sheffield, building on our recent research achievements, and tied to the exploitation of leading international facilities supported by STFC and UKSA.
Planned Impact
The main ways in which our research makes an impact outside the academic community is via our knowledge exchange and outreach activities. To summarise:
1. Knowledge exchange. This is primarily based on the building of the ULTRACAM instrument, which has led to the development of a new data acquisition system that is now used on a host of other instruments.
2. Outreach. Over the last three years members of the Sheffield astrophysics group have delivered more than 40 talks to schools and astronomical societies, 30 in-house master classes for school students, and several press releases, based on their research activities.
Details are given in our pathways to impact statement that is included as an attachment.
1. Knowledge exchange. This is primarily based on the building of the ULTRACAM instrument, which has led to the development of a new data acquisition system that is now used on a host of other instruments.
2. Outreach. Over the last three years members of the Sheffield astrophysics group have delivered more than 40 talks to schools and astronomical societies, 30 in-house master classes for school students, and several press releases, based on their research activities.
Details are given in our pathways to impact statement that is included as an attachment.
Organisations
Publications
Van Loon J
(2013)
The VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey IX. The interstellar medium seen through diffuse interstellar bands and neutral sodium?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Vazquez B
(2015)
SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE MEASUREMENTS OF DUST REVERBERATION LAGS IN THE SEYFERT 1 GALAXY NGC 6418
in The Astrophysical Journal
Villar-Martín M
(2012)
Mergers and interactions in Sloan Digital Sky Survey type 2 quasars at z~ 0.3-0.4. SDSS J143027.66-005614.8: a case study? SDSS 143027.66-005614.8
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Williams P
(2015)
The spectra of WC9 stars: evolution and dust formation?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Worrall D
(2012)
The jet-cloud interacting radio galaxy PKS B2152-699 - I. Structures revealed in new deep radio and X-ray observations Jet interactions in PKS B2152-699
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Wright N
(2014)
Constraints on massive star formation: Cygnus OB2 was always an association
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Yusof N
(2013)
Evolution and fate of very massive stars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Østensen R
(2013)
Binaries discovered by the MUCHFUSS project FBS 0117+396: An sdB+dM binary with a pulsating primary?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
| Description | Key findings include the following: - First clear demonstration that molecules can be accelerated in fast shocks driven be relativistic jets in AGN. - Discovery that the cool ISM masses of the host galaxies of radio-loud AGN are relatively low, suggesting that the AGN are triggered in modest, rather than major mergers. - Ultracam observations of a pulsar orbiting a white dwarf leading to stringent tests of General Relativity. - Development of the ULTRASPEC instrument on the Thai National Telescope. - First accurate census of massive stars and their feedback effect in the key 30 Doradus star forming region - Substantially improved determination of the spatial distribution of Wolf Rayet stars in the Milky Way |
| Exploitation Route | It is hoped that the results will be useful in outreach activities that inspire students in schools to become involved in science as a career, and also encourage an interest in science in older generations. |
| Sectors | Education |
| Description | The research results obtained over the period of the grant have informed an number of outreach/publish understanding events: - several talks to schools and amateur societies; - large-scale outreach events such as the "Sounds of the Cosmos" and "Back to the Future" events in Sheffield and elsewhere. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal |