Star formation takes place in the densest regions of molecular clouds. The process appears to be very inefficient, converting only a few per cent of the cloud’s mass into stars.The reason for this is actively debated, but it likely relates to the physical conditions of the gas, which require further observational constraints. We probe the dense gas most closely associated with star formation with observations of molecular line tracers, such as CO and HCN, in both the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, though comparing the emission from the vastly different spatial scales probed by the observations is a major challenge.
To date, we have lacked observational link between sub-parsec and galaxy scales. To address this, we have obtained large-scale unbiased maps of the Milky Way plane using the IRAM 30-m telescope and Taeduk Radio Astronomy Observatory. These observations probe a range of different environments and therefore different excitation conditions for the molecular emission. This survey will enable us to resolve many of the major inconsistencies in our understanding of star formation in the Galactic context.
The PhD student will lead the data analysis and delivery for this project. In addition to the observational techniques, students will build a working knowledge of statistical descriptions of large complex datasets and machine learning. The students will use these tools to inform their physical interpretation of the observational results, and make robust comparisons between these results and those presented in analogous extragalactic studies, as well as the results of simulated data and sythnetic obsrevations.
Eligibility
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)
Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy with a start date of 1st October 2022.
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:
• your academic CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date.
In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project. You can apply for up to three of our advertised STFC projects by listing them in order of preference in the freetext area of the "Research Proposal" section of the online application form.
In the funding section, please select that you will not be self funding and write that the source of funding will be STFC.
Once the deadline for applications has passed we will review your application and advise your within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.
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