Open University Consolidated Grant Phase 1
Lead Research Organisation:
The Open University
Department Name: Physical Sciences
Abstract
We will study a wide range of some of the most important problems in modern astrophysics. Our programme is aimed at: a) Measuring the make-up and composition of the basic components of material in our Galaxy. This includes understanding where energetic 'cosmic ray' particles in the space between stars come from; studying the birth and evolution of massive stars from observations of placental ionised birthplaces (called HII regions) using LOFAR, STFC's new radio telescope; examining how young massive star clusters influence their local region of space via their UV radiation, and how they deposit material and mechanical energy back into space. Finally, to understand how some massive stars quite quickly form massive stellar remnants, such as black holes. b) We will study exoplanets, planets orbiting around distant stars. We will observe the structure and properties of their atmospheres, to learn whether close-in planets are consumed by their host star. We are working towards detecting habitable exoplanets, including examining whether we can identify systems with rocky planets using the chemical composition of the host star's atmosphere. We are also studying the rocky planets in the Solar System: to understand the water and dust cycles in in the Martian atmosphere and the contributions of atmospheric eddy processes in the atmosphere of Venus. c) On a much larger scale, we seek to understand the structure and history of the entire Universe: studying the dark matter distribution in giant galaxies, and understanding how black hole accretion affects star formation; and using data from the Herschel and ground based telescopes, assessing the physical and morphological properties of distant star-forming galaxies, and studying how the evolving energy budget of the Universe. d) Experimenting in the laboratory to mimic the formation of molecules in on dust grains in space that lead to the complex chemistry that acted as the precursor to life in the Universe, and to explore the chemistry of Mars and Titan. e) Finally, we propose developing and extending our unique programme of Public Engagement and Outreach, to bring the excitement of the Universe to the general public, and the next generation of young people.
Planned Impact
Attached as a separate document, and also included as Appendix D in the main case
Organisations
Publications
Serjeant S
(2012)
A multi-wavelength view of galaxy evolution with AKARI
Sicilia-Aguilar A
(2013)
Protostars, multiplicity, and disk evolution in the Corona Australis region: a Herschel Gould Belt Study
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Suutarinen A
(2013)
Determination of the far-infrared dust opacity in a prestellar core
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Tabataba-Vakili F
(2015)
A Lorenz/Boer energy budget for the atmosphere of Mars from a "reanalysis" of spacecraft observations ENERGY BUDGET OF MARS FROM REANALYSIS
in Geophysical Research Letters
Thi W
(2013)
Gas lines from the 5-Myr old optically thin disk around HD 141569A Herschel observations and modeling??????
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Tinetti G
(2012)
EChO Exoplanet characterisation observatory
in Experimental Astronomy
White G
(2012)
CONFERENCE SUMMARY: THE LEGACY OF AKARI: A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DUSTY UNIVERSE
in Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
Wiegert J
(2014)
How dusty is a Centauri? Excess or non-excess over the infrared photospheres of main-sequence stars
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wraight K
(2012)
STEREO observations of long period variables STEREO observations of LPVs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Description | This supported Astronomical Research at the Open University. Outputs have been reported in the Peer reviewed and unrefereed literature |
Exploitation Route | The results and outputs have informed the following Consolidated grant, into which this was rolled. |
Sectors | Education |
Description | Some of the research was used on TV news programmes. |
Sector | Education |
Impact Types | Societal |