Project 1: Discovering the hidden correlations between galaxy evolution and large scale structure of the Universe
Description: Galaxies are NOT isolated objects whose evolution depends merely on intrinsic physical processes. Instead, the evolution of galaxies could be significantly affected by processes relevant to their local background environment (LBE), as well as their location in the cosmic web (the building block of the cosmos). However, the quantitative correlations between these non-intrinsic processes and galaxies’ properties are yet to be understood. The aim of this project is to discover these connections using state-of-the-art cosmological galaxy formation simulations.
Keywords: Galaxy formation and evolution, Large scale structure of the Universe, Cosmic Web, Environmental quenching, Cosmological simulations
Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), Cosmic web identification algorithms, programming languages (e.g. python)
Project 2: Metals in the Universe
Description: The genesis of elements and metals in the cosmos is a captivating narrative that begins within the Big Bang and continues with stellar evolution, where nuclear reactions give rise to various elements. However, the migration of these metals from the Interstellar Medium (ISM) to the Intergalactic Medium (IGM) and Intracluster Medium (ICM) is still a complex puzzle. This migration is speculated to be influenced by processes such as gas stripping and feedback mechanisms. A possible consequence of this migration occuring at early times in the Universe is“pre-enrichment”of the gas flowing in to halos at later times. In other words, the gas flowing into halos will not be pristine, but will already contain heavy elements. This project aims to uncover the journey of metals within the cosmic framework. By tracing the metals in the ICM/IGM in time through high resolution hydrodynamical simulations such as IllustrisTNG, we can understand their origin. This enables us to discover various factors influencing metal abundance in the Universe, including but not limited to the potential impact of Supermassive black hole feedback (AGN feedback) and the role of environmental processes.
Keywords: Supernova and AGN feedback, Environmental processes, Circumgalactic Medium (CGM), Intracluster Medium (ICM), Intergalactic Medium (IGM), Galaxy formation and evolution, Cosmological simulations
Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)
Project 3: Discovering the impact of supermassive black hole feedback on low-mass galaxies and haloes (Master's project assigned to Finlay Taylor)
Description: Every galaxy is believed to have a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at its center. In galaxies more massive than the Milky Way, feedback from the SMBH is thought to be the primary mechanism for quenching star formation and reshaping the distribution and physical properties of gas throughout the galaxy and halo. However, the impact of SMBH feedback on low-mass galaxies is still poorly understood. This project aims to uncover the physical effects of SMBH feedback on the properties of low-mass galaxies and their surrounding gaseous halos i.e. circumgalactic medium (CGM). To do so we will primarily analyze the IllustrisTNG cosmological magnetohydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation. We will compare the fiducial simulations to other physical variations runs, including simulations where black hole feedback is deliberately excluded. By comparing the properties of galaxies and haloes across these simulations, we will reveal the influence of different modes of SMBH feedback on galaxies spanning a wide mass range, from dwarf galaxies to those with masses exceeding that of the Milky Way.
Keywords: Black holes and AGN feedback, Galaxy formation and evolution, Cosmological simulations
Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)
Project 4: Exploring the origin of the cold gas in galaxy clusters and galaxy groups (Master's project assigned to Milan Staffehl)
Description: Galaxy clusters and galaxy groups are the most massive objects in the Universe. They contain dark matter, galaxies (mainly stars), and gas. Observations and simulations suggest that this gas is multiphase with complex distribution and dynamics, which we are still far from being able to model fully. One of the major complexities is the presence of cold gas (T~104 K) among the hotter halo gas (T~106-107 K), which is not understood yet. Employing hydrodynamical simulations, the aim of this project is to uncover the origin of the presence of this cold gas.
Keywords: Circumgalactic Medium (CGM), Intracluster medium (ICM), Galaxy formation and evolution, Cosmological simulations
Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)
General Required Skills and Knowledge
1) Basic knowledge of astrophysics and galaxy formation is necessary. However, knowing the details of the project description above is NOT required.
2) Computer programming: The student is expected to be familiar with general computer programming. For instance, opening files and doing basic calculations such as calculating the min, max, and so on. Previous experience with data analysis and/or working with simulation data would be useful but not necessary.