Extreme Astrophysics with next-generation radio telescopes

In this project the student will be studying extreme astrophysical phenomena with radio telescopes. Detected radio emission usually arises from relavistic jets or more isotropic shocks triggered by accretion or explosive events. Radio studies uniquely allow us to measure and track the kinetic feedback from the events in ways which are impossible at other wavelengths, and can also offer extremely high angular resolutions for precise localisation and resolved imaging of sources. This is an area our group has worked on for many years, and in this project we plan to work with the multiple upgrade phases of the MeerKAT radio telescopes as it begins the process of transitioning to the mid-frequency component of the Square Kilometre Array.

The first aspect of this is the use of the new S-band receivers (2-3 GHz band), which are still in a shared-risks mode. We already have an excellent data set for the student to start working on, and have some guaranteed time secured via an open time call for the coming year. We are also planning to work with our colleagues in the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn to look for transients in their proprietary galactic plane and galactic centre survey.

Beyond use of the S-band, we plan to use 'MeerKAT+', which is an extension of the array with 12-16 new antennas on longer baselines, when this begins to become available, likely from late 2024.

Our group are probably the work leaders combining observations of these phenomena and deep expertise with MeerKAT data, and we have an excellent track record in delivering strong PhD (DPhil) theses containing exciting and original research.