Consolidated Grant for Astrophysics and Space Science at the University of Kent

Our Sun and planet are part of the Solar System which contains many other objects including asteroids and man-made satellites. These are all subject to remarkable dynamical phenomena brought about by extraordinary speeds. This System is just one of billions in our Galaxy, of which the origins and development stretch our imaginations and technology to the limit, involving quite unexplored dynamical and physical concepts. The Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science (CAPS) requests long-term funding to support a successful programme of research into the origins of the Solar System, forming stars and stellar systems. The physical regimes associated with molecular clouds, protoplanetary discs as well as the present Solar System are foreign to our experience but the norm in the interstellar medium of our Galaxy. The aim of the Centre is to explore the new observational phenomena, novel physical concepts and to test innovative ideas.

IMPACT SUMMARY

Beneficiaries:
Astrophysicists
Industry and New Technology: aeronautical and space industries

Fluid dynamicists and software developers
Commerce and finance
Artists and poets
Public
Schools

1. Astrophysicists. The work described in this proposal is explicitly focussed on the solar system and the early evolution of present-day star formation. However, astrophysical research is by nature a complex interdependent Universe of phenomena with interrelated physical and dynamical processes.
We learn about concepts such as shock waves, turbulence, discs and jets, and then often adapt and apply the understanding in completely different situations, scales and times. The communication is achieved through conferences, literature trawling, etc.. We intend to continue to invite visitors on the proposed visitor programme, some working in areas such as cosmology and dark matter, to facilitate the broad view.

2. Industry and technologies. As described in the Pathways to Impact document, CAPS research connects with spacecraft and related technologies as well commercial software and a KTP. Recent contracts have involved Lockheed-Martin and NASA. In addition, we note here that the telescope and space mission exploitation such as proposed here provides the motivation and need for new generation technology to meet the extremely high observational demands. Hence, the fundamental research drives technology that benefits society.

3. Fluid dynamicists, impacts and software. New gas dynamical problems leads to new techniques to solve problems efficiently. We expect our expertise to continue to benefit industry as it does now.

4. Commerce and finance. The proposed research programme will promote a research environment which will aid the training provided to students. Our students are in demand in various sectors, ranging from the motor industry to the financial sector. The know-how, critical analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills of our students is transferred through the researchers and post-docs within the Centre.

5. Artists and poets. CAPS provides intellectual material (but not property) for art and poetry. This has been encapsulated in two Artists-in-Residence (2006 and 2011), the latter leading to a series of exhibitions and recitals directly involving the astronomy images, texts and language used within Kent Astronomy. Further collaboration, events and a festival are planned led by artist and ex-astrophysicist Dr Duncan MacKay.

6. Culture/public. The research will be communicated in open public lectures and observing sessions, in collaboration with local astronomical societies, schools, scout groups etc. there are many opportunities for press releases in our area of science and the newspapers are quite eager to take them up especially when there is almost always a dominance of bad news. CAPS members will continue to speak each year at University Open Days, to parents at UCAS days, as well as diverse media calls. Talks to amateur societies, physics organisations and the general public are held. 2009 saw an extensive programme of well-attended public lectures as part of the UNESCO/IAU International Year of Astronomy 2009. We intend to run a further programme in 2014.

7. Schools/education/inspiration. The research is embodied in our Schools Outreach programme, encapsulated in the CAPSule project, especially in talks on the Origins of Stars, Extraterrestrial Life, and Planets but going much further including talks on careers in space and astronomy and colonisation of Mars. The Kent Astrodome has provided a 3-D attraction and we want to acquire new movies and, eventually, a larger dome to enhance the experience.