2024 Project Description

Unveiling the Multiphase Properties of Galactic Outflows with DESI

Supervisors

Ting-Wen Lan
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

Galactic outflows driven by the explosion of massive stars play a crucial role in regulating the evolution of galaxies. Outflows are expected to remove a substantial amount of gas in galaxies and quench the star-formation activity. However, the physical properties of galactic outflows, such as their velocity and gas density and temperature, are still poorly understood. To gain a deeper understanding of the properties of galactic outflows, this project aims to obtain novel observational measurements by using the largest spectroscopic dataset from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. We will combine an observational technique, called down-the-barrel, and statistical analysis methods, to detect the gas absorption signatures induced by multiphase galactic outflows in high-redshift star-forming galaxies. Finally, we will characterize the properties of galactic outflows as a function of the physical properties of galaxies. The success of this program will pave the way for a new research direction in galaxy evolution studies, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay between gas flows and galaxies.

In this project, the student will (1) work on big astronomical datasets, including the state-of-the-art DESI spectroscopic dataset and photometric dataset, (2) develop statistical techniques, and (3) learn the astrophysics of galaxy evolution and statistics.

Required Background

1. Basic/advanced knowledge in astrophysics is preferred, but not mandatory. 2. Basic knowledge and skills of computer programming (such as Python) would be desirable. 3. Passion for astrophysical research, Independent thinking, and hard working