Thesis

3D and multi-wavelength unravelling of massive star forming clusters with cutting-edge observations

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2014

• Academic Year:

  2014 /2015

• Domain:

  Astrophysics

• Supervisor:

  Paulo Garcia

• Co-Supervisor:

  Joana Ascenso

• Institution:

  Universidade do Porto

• Host Institution:

  CENTRA - Multidisciplinary centre for astrophysics and University of Vienna

• Abstract:

  Star formation across the Universe occurs mainly in massive stellar clusters forming at the densest and coldest regions of giant molecular clouds. This mode of star formation has a wide impact on a wide range of scales, from local effects on the evolution of protoplanetary disks and local ISM, to global effects affecting galaxy populations and evolution. Yet, we know very little on why the clustered mode is the one favoured by nature. Two factors contribute to this: a) there are too few comprehensive observational studies of massive stellar clusters, as they are typically distant and embedded in placental material, and b) theory and simulations are difficult to undertake due to the large dynamic range needed of the physical variables (density, size) and because radiate feedback in a highly structured ISM is very challenging to model. The most fruitful way to make progress in the field is to acquire better observational data from top instruments on world-class observatories, to be able to characterize the poorly constrained properties of the emerging stellar clusters. This PhD thesis proposes to advance the current state-of-the-art by combining cutting-edge observations from the leading world telescopes – the ESO Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory, with the newest VLT instrument, the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE). Existing deep, high-resolution near-infrared and infrared observations of massive stellar clusters emerging from giant molecular clouds (ages 1-5 Myr) will be combined with new MUSE panoramic spectroscopy in the visible. Ancillary ESA Herschel data on the dense placental ISM involving these clusters will also be analysed. This unique dataset - only possible to obtain now - will allow for the first time for a combined characterization of the stellar spectral energy distribution with visible line emission diagnostics of the stellar population in the cluster and associated ionized gas, resulting in a robust study of all the properties that are critical to guide and constrain our understanding of clustered star formation: cluster ages and age spreads, Initial Mass Function, protoplanetary disk evolution in massive clusters, impact of early supernovae, cluster and gas dynamical state and cluster dispersal into the galactic field. Ultimately, the foreseen characterization of the most massive clusters in the Galaxy will provide crucial constraints to the impending generation of theoretical and numerical models. The candidate should have an interest in observational astronomy, ideally with scripting/ programming and statistics skills. The candidate should be available for observing runs in leading edge observatories and missions with collaborating institutions (CENTRA and João Alves lab at University of Vienna).