Project description
Profiling massive stellar clusters: potential sources of galactic cosmic rays
Galactic cosmic rays are composed of nuclei that have had their electrons stripped away travelling near the speed of light. Their origin outside our solar system may be young massive stellar clusters. However, the exact sites, acceleration physics and power sources of cosmic ray production in such clusters are not known. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MeerSHOCKS project will leverage MeerKAT and Australian Square Kilometre Array Precursor observations in a pioneering study to locate the shock sites in three massive clusters, measure the microphysical properties of the acceleration process, and measure the power reservoir in massive star winds in these clusters.
Objective
The origin of Galactic cosmic rays is a persistent and fundamental open question in modern astrophysics. Gamma-ray observations have in the past five years suggested young massive stellar clusters as prominent cosmic ray accelerators but remain unable to provide smoking gun evidence for this scenario. Specifically, the exact sites, acceleration physics, and power sources of cosmic ray production in such clusters are unknown and unquantified. Building on revolutionary developments in radio telescope capabilities to overcome these limitations, I will explore novel MeerKAT and Australian Square Kilometre Array Precursor observations to, for the first time: (i) directly locate the shock sites of cosmic ray acceleration in three massive clusters; (ii) measure the microphysical properties of the acceleration process using stellar bow shocks as pristine, isolated testbeds; and (iii) obtain the most complete measurements of the power reservoir in massive star winds in these clusters. This three-step approach will confirm young massive stellar clusters as cosmic ray accelerators, reveal the exact acceleration scenario for the first time, measure currently unconstrained but essential physical properties for cluster modelling (large scale and local magnetic fields, acceleration efficiencies, cumulative stellar wind power), and lay the foundation for synergies between planned future radio and gamma-ray telescopes. I will openly distribute all analysed radio images and analysis tools developed in this Action to facilitate open science and maximize their impact as a training tool for the astrophysical community. I will furthermore develop an interactive high-school engagement module based on the analysed MeerKAT data. Performing this work at the UvA, I will simultaneously acquire the research, management, and supervision training that will complete my transition into a fully rounded research group leader.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1012WX Amsterdam
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.