The 3D motion of the Interstellar Medium with ESO and ESA telescopes
The ISM-FLOW project aims to visualize the 3D motion of local Milky Way gas to advance understanding of star formation and Galactic structure using new observational techniques and data.
Projectdetails
Introduction
The current model for the structure of the local Milky Way is in crisis. Data from the ESA Gaia mission has overthrown the 150-year-old paradigm for the gas distribution in the local Milky Way, a 500 pc ring known as Gould’s Belt. In the newly emerging view, local star-forming regions are connected by lower-density gas. They are part of a new organizational unit: undulating, coherent, and linear Galactic-scale gas structures.
Research Questions
What is the origin of these kpc-long structures? How do star-forming regions form and disperse inside them? Are they related to the traditional view of spiral arms?
Importance of Gas Flow Measurement
Underpinning these questions lies a critical measurement currently beyond reach: tracing the gas flow in 3D. Gas flow is a fundamental physical property of the ISM. Knowing it is to know the past and future path of the gas in the Galaxy, measure momentum, and infer the external forces acting on the star-forming gas.
Achieving this measurement for the local kpc would constitute a breakthrough in ISM, star formation, and spiral structure formation research.
Project Goals
The goal of ISM-FLOW is to see the local Milky Way gas in 3D motion for the first time and make sense of it. The project will use a dedicated (and approved) large observational campaign in the near-infrared at ESO (VISIONS, PI: Alves) and upcoming ESA Gaia data.
I have been developing new methods over the past decades to determine cloud distances, shapes, and motions using space and ground-based data and have proven feasibility.
Expected Outcomes
We will measure the local gas flow for the first time, derive the local molecular gas trajectory from the past and into the future (-20 to 20 Myr), and be in a position to make significant advances in the field and leave a legacy to the community.
We will:
- Characterize the newly discovered large-scale structures.
- Understand the formation and dispersal of giant molecular clouds and star formation regions.
- Confront gas flow theories and the formation of spiral arms.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
Subsidiebedrag | € 1.919.306 |
Totale projectbegroting | € 1.919.306 |
Tijdlijn
Startdatum | 1-1-2023 |
Einddatum | 31-12-2027 |
Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERSITAT WIENpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
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Gas flows in and out of galaxies: solving the cosmic baryon cycle
The FLOWS project aims to elucidate gas flow dynamics in galaxies over cosmic time, enhancing our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution through innovative data analysis and modeling techniques.
The Milky Way system as a laboratory to understand the role of galactic winds in galaxy evolution
This project aims to investigate the nature and impact of multiphase galactic winds using high-resolution observations and simulations in the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds to enhance our understanding of galaxy evolution.
The Milky Way as key to understanding the inward transport of matter to the centre of galaxies
This project aims to understand gas transport from the Central Molecular Zone to the supermassive black hole SgrA* in the Milky Way, using advanced data and simulations to reveal universal processes in galaxies.
A new View of Young galaxies with ALMA and JWST
This project aims to uncover hidden stellar populations and map molecular gas in dusty young galaxies using JWST and ALMA data, enhancing our understanding of early galaxy formation.
Uncovering the inner workings of galaxies at cosmic noon
GALPHYS aims to uncover the physical mechanisms of star formation and galactic structure in distant galaxies using advanced observational techniques and a dedicated research team.