Project description
Revealing the evolution of galaxy clusters
The cosmic electromagnetic spectrum offers a unique opportunity to explore the universe. Ultra-low radio frequencies (10-100 MHz) remain a largely unexplored observational channel that holds the potential to unlock new insights into the evolution of galaxy clusters. However, the complexity of such observations poses significant challenges. The EU-funded ULU project will combine expertise in galaxy clusters with cutting-edge research techniques. By investigating topics previously studied independently, such as the growth of structures and galaxy evolution, the project will unveil the cosmic ray life cycle and also provide valuable insights into a wide range of domains, including ionospheric science and exoplanet habitability. Ultimately, project results will advance our knowledge of the universe and expand our understanding of its inner workings.
Objective
The ULU project will explore the largest scales of our Universe mapping one of the last uncharted observational windows of the cosmic electromagnetic spectrum: the ultra-low radio frequencies (10-100 MHz). Although these frequencies are crucial to unveil the nature and evolution of galaxy clusters, the complexity of such observations prevented their exploitation until now. Techniques I developed to analyse Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) data were able to overcome this limitation. With ULU we will survey the northern sky producing ultra-low frequency images that are 100 times more sensitive than the state-of-the-art. The legacy of ULU will be long lasting with a far reaching scientific outcome: from galaxy evolution to ionospheric science, from exoplanet habitability to the detection of the first galaxies at cosmic dawn.
Within the ULU project, I will combine the survey with my expertise on the study of galaxy clusters. My group will adopt an innovative approach based on unveiling the full picture of the cosmic ray (CR) life-cycle in the intracluster medium, effectively combining diverse topics historically studied independently, such as the growth of structures, AGN activity, and galaxy evolution. While conventional radio frequencies are sensitive to emission generated by highly energetic CRs, with ULU we will explore the far larger domain of low-energy CRs that can be accelerated by still unexplored microphysical mechanisms. Furthermore, their emission can be observed over Gyr time scales, revealing the long-term actions and interactions of radio sources in cluster environments. With a full picture of the CR life-cycle we will 1. unveil how cluster merger energy is deposited in the intracluster medium through shocks, turbulence and other mechanisms, 2. measure the long-term effect of AGN feedback up to the age of cluster formation, and 3. make a realistic attempt at the characterisation of the WHIM properties and constrain the origin of cosmological magnetic fields.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradio frequency
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetsexoplanetology
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyphysical cosmologygalaxy evolution
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
ERC - Support for frontier research (ERC)Host institution
00136 Roma
Italy