Observations of Planetary Systems

I will use observational methods, techniques and data to explore and understand a range of planetary systems, to uncover dynamical histories through modelling, and analytically explain the variability in morphology and existence of debris belts. My work will be predominantly observational, however there will be opportunities to develop the theoretical understanding of planetary system evolution as data is collected and analysed.

This work will primarily make use of data from the ALMA interferometer in Chile, which observes in millimetre/sub-millimetre wavelengths, finding dust formed through the collisional processes within debris belts. Observations of dust may additionally uncover detections of gas within debris disks, a new phenomena and important area of research for understanding compositions of chemicals and chemical processes occurring within planetary systems at different stages of their evolution. Other data sets will be employed where practicable and of scientific value, allowing deeper insight and understanding of the planetary systems we intend to explore.

My work will begin by attempting to identify how the morphology of planetary debris belts are affected by the presence of exo-Jupiters. Band 7 ALMA data for the planetary system in orbit in the ~1Gyr old 'q1 Eridanus' system is already available following two successful proposals with Professor Mark Wyatt as P.I, alongside archival Band 6 ALMA and HST data. Q1 Eri is known to host a debris belt at 70au, and an inner exo-Jupiter at 2au. Data will be used to determine the disk structure at a resolution of 0.7"; 5-times better than any previous observations. Already, it is known that the dust belt possesses an asymmetry, and part of this work will aim to explore the significance of this, attempt to explain its origin, the physical processes driving its evolution, and determine what is happening in the 2-70au region between the known planet and dust belt.

I will then be involved in a larger collaboration project attempting to explain the origins of planetesimal belts more generally. Further data is being collected for 30 previously un-observed Class III stars as part of a Band 7 ALMA survey, also with Professor Mark Wyatt as P.I. These young (2-3Myr) stars are in the Lupus star forming region are assumed to be 'diskless' for dust emission at levels of ~0.024M_Earth. This investigation is designed to understand the origins of planetesimal belt formation; do they in long-lived protoplanetary disks, or are they initially present around all stars?

This work will require significant use of modern computational methods for data analysis, and will develop analysis code in the Python programming language.

In addition, I will be writing ALMA observing proposals for new data in astrophysical environments as yet unobserved or to enhance already collected data sets, such that we can transform our understanding of planetary system evolution for systems at different stages of their lifetimes.

The potential for exciting outreach opportunities involving this research area is very high. Planetary astrophysics is a particularly fascinating area for the general public, and I will be seeking at all points available the chance to pass on my knowledge and communicate my research to both scientific communities and those communities.