What time can tell us about space: Using time-resolved observations of young stars to explore the circumstellar environment beyond what direct resolution can achieve

What happens in the planet-forming region when planets form? How are stars like our Sun formed? Observational answers have to deal with one fact: the highest spatial resolution available nowadays barely traces the location of Jupiter in nearby star-forming regions. Thus to gain information on the tiny scales of stellar radii and the innermost planet-forming regions of disks, indirect methods are required.

Time-resolved observations are one of the best ways to track small scales beyond direct resolution: the orbital period of the disk where close-in planets form span ranges from days to years. Time-resolved data is one of the main drivers of current missions (Kepler, TESS, Gaia) and time-resolved spectroscopy lies behind the confirmation of extrasolar planets. In this project, you will use time-resolved spectroscopy and photometry of young stars to unveil their circumstellar environments, as well as to establish it as a tool to map what happens in the innermost planet-forming regions. The data, which consists of new observations acquired at the Calar Alto Observatory during 2020, and existing archival data, will allow to measure the velocity of the material around the stars, and to detect eclipses or shadows cast onto its surrounding. You will be also involved in the future observations that are required to complete our view of the most interesting systems.

The observations of the innermost part of the disk will allow us to understand how the star and disk are connected and the role of the stellar magnetic field, how accretion onto the star proceeds, and what the general innermost disk structure looks like and can affect the formation and migration of planets.

The project is offered towards a PhD in Physics. It is based on observational astrophysics. Previous astrophysics background will be an advantage.

For more information about the supervisor, please see https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/asiciliaaguilar/.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Dr Aurora Sicilia-Aguilar (a.siciliaaguilar@dundee.ac.uk).

For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact doctoralacademy@dundee.ac.uk

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent for non-UK qualifications), and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. For international qualifications, please see equivalent entry requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/study/international/country/.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) overall score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in the written component, and not less than 5.5 in any other component). The University of Dundee accepts a variety of equivalent qualifications; please see full details of the University’s English language requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Dr Aurora Sicilia-Aguilar (a.siciliaaguilar@dundee.ac.uk) to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Dr Sicilia-Aguilar, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physics: Physics : Study : University of Dundee

Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.

In the Research Proposal section, please:

-       Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box

-       Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box

In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.