2025 Project Description

Protostellar Outflow Morphologies and Their Environments

Supervisors

Hsi-Wei Yen
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

Stars form through the gravitational collapse of magnetized and turbulent molecular clouds. However, not all of the infalling material reaches the protostar. While protostars are accreting material, some material is ejected in the form of bipolar outflows. These outflows play a critical role by removing excess angular momentum and regulating mass accretion. Additionally, the feedback from these outflows influences the star formation process, potentially impacting the available mass reservoir and the overall efficiency of star formation. Theoretical simulations suggest that in turbulent environments, outflows can precess, or even become unipolar or bent. Despite this, the observational study of the interaction between outflows and their surrounding environments remains largely unexplored.

In this project, we will investigate the morphology and physical properties of outflow lobes from a large sample of protostars. Using data from the Submillimeter Array (SMA) large program, which surveyed all known protostars in the Perseus molecular clouds at moderate resolution, we will compare these outflow characteristics with physical conditions in their environments as measured by radio single-dish telescopes. This comparison will allow us to assess how the surrounding environment shapes the morphology of protostellar outflows.

Through this project, students will gain insight into the star formation process, radio observations, and interferometry. They will also develop essential skills in analyzing radio molecular-line data, constructing kinematic models, and creating methods to quantify outflow properties.

Required Background

Basic knowledge of Physics. Experience in Linux/Unix systems and programming is desirable but not required.