Objective The formation of stars underpins all of astrophysics, from driving the evolution of galaxies to setting the conditions for the genesis of planetary systems. Stars form deeply embedded in the densest regions of molecular clouds (MCs), but we still know very little about how MCs are assembled and destroyed -- the two processes that ultimately set the timescale over which stars can form. Since carbon monoxide (CO) forms up to 10 Myr after the MC forms and is easily dissociated by energetic photons, it is a poor probe of MC formation and stellar feedback.This project aims to determine the range of conditions under which MCs are formed and destroyed using newly accessible tracers of MCs and their environments: ionised carbon ([CII]), atomic carbon ([CI]) and atomic oxygen ([OI]). Together with CO, these tracers supply a comprehensive structural and dynamical profile of MC environments. In a sample of galactic clouds, we will measure the gas density, temperature and the local interstellar radiation field. We will compare observed dynamic signatures to simulations to MC formation scenarios, and we will determine the peak turbulence driving scale and the nature of stellar feedback in dense and diffuse gas. This project makes timely use of new observational capabilities offered by Herschel and SOFIA alongside results of state-of-the-art numerical simulations. Using these tools together, the fellow will determine the physical processes driving the formation and destruction of MCs, which can be applied to better understand how galaxies evolve as star formation engines. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compoundsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator CARDIFF UNIVERSITY Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address NEWPORT ROAD 30 36 CF24 0DE Cardiff United Kingdom See on map Region Wales East Wales Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80
