2026 Project Description

Studying dust emission from a moving vortex in a protoplanetary disk

Supervisors

Pin-Gao Gu, Hsi-Wei Yen
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

A protoplanetary disk is a cold, gas-rich disk surrounding a young star, where tiny dust grains can gather, grow, and eventually form planets. Many of these disks show strikingly uneven, lopsided patterns in their thermal dust emission. One exciting idea is that these patterns are created when dust becomes trapped in large, long-lived vortex “storms” within the disk.

We invite a motivated summer student to join our research team to explore this phenomenon. The student will analyze numerical data from hydrodynamic and radiative transfer simulations to study how dust moves, concentrates, and emits radiation over time. If time permits, the project also involves comparing simulation results with astronomical observations from ALMA and the VLA. This project offers hands-on experience with astrophysical simulations and the interpretation of cutting-edge observational data, while contributing to our understanding of how planets form.

Required Background

Students with coursework or interest in physics, astronomy, or a related field are especially encouraged to apply. Familiarity with basic programming (e.g., Python, C) is helpful; motivated students will receive guidance and mentoring throughout the project. Prior research experience is not necessary.