Thesis

A framework for massive star formation with adaptive optics

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2015

• Academic Year:

  2015 / 2016

• Domain:

  Astrophysics

• Supervisor:

  Joana Ascenso

• Co-Supervisor:

  Paulo Garcia

• Institution:

  Universidade do Porto

• Host Institution:

  CENTRA/SIM at FEUP

• Abstract:

  Most of what we know about star formation comes from over three decades of detailed studies of low-mass star forming regions. Yet, massive clouds form at least as many stars as low-mass clouds, and under orders of magnitude more extreme conditions. Any theory of star formation must incorporate an equally deep understanding of these extreme regions. The goal of this project is to answer one seemingly simple question: how different is star formation in massive clouds compared to that in low-mass clouds? The applicant will participate in an observational survey of massive, very young star forming regions in the Galaxy, interpreting the effects of local feedback from massive stars, the morphologies of stellar clusters, ages and age spreads, stellar mass functions, etc., leading to an unprecedented empirical foundation for the study of massive star formation. A significant part of the dataset is from observations made with adaptive-optics assisted instruments, and will train the applicant in the specificities of these data. Adaptive optics is the technology that allows ground-based observatories to overcome the turbulent effect of the Earth’s atmosphere, and it is the main mode of operation foreseen for the next generation of telescopes and instruments. Our group is currently developing nouvelle techniques to improve the post-processing of adaptive optics data. The applicant will therefore gain valuable knowledge and skills that will equip him/her with a competitive edge. Adaptive optics will also enable studies of massive star formation in other galaxies to the detail we can currently achieve only in the Milky Way, when applied to giant telescopes like the E-ELT. These studies will represent a very important leap in our understanding of star formation, as they will extend the knowledge derived from local conditions to a significantly wider parameter space. Consequently, the applicant will be able to extend his/her work far beyond the scope of the thesis. By the end of this project the applicant will be an expert in massive star formation using near- and mid-infrared data, and will have mastered and helped develop the tools for accurate photometry and astrometry on adaptive-optics data for current and upcoming observing facilities.