2024 Project Description
Go back to the list of available projectsInterplay between gas kinematics and magnetic field around protostars
Keywords:Supervisors
Hsi-Wei Yen
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Task Description and Goals
There are a few hundred billion stars in our galaxy, and they form in magnetized molecular clouds. The magnetic field is theoretically expected to be dynamically important in the process of star formation. For example, the magnetic pressure and tension force can slow down the gravitational collapse and transfer the angular momentum outward. Meanwhile, the gas motions can drag and twist the magnetic fields and shape their morphologies. These phenomena have substantial impacts on the formation and growth of central protostar+disk systems.
In this project, we aim to measure the velocities and magnetic field morphologies along a gas flow toward a protostar and its circumstellar disk with archival molecular-line and polarization data obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). With these measurements, we will attempt to solve magnetohydrodynamic equations to study the balance between the gravitational and magnetic forces in this protostellar system and its impact on the star formation process. Students will learn knowledge about star formation, formation of protoplanetary disks, radio observations, and data analysis. Students will also learn how to write a program to analyze astronomical images and data and extract physical parameters from the data.
Required Background
Basic knowledge of Physics. Experience in Linux/Unix systems and programming is desirable but not required.