SubsidieMeestersTracking galaxy evolution with precise and accurate metal abundances in the interstellar medium
The ISM-METALS project aims to resolve metallicity measurement discrepancies in nearby galaxies using a data-driven approach, enhancing our understanding of galaxy evolution and chemical enrichment.
Projectdetails
Introduction
The introduction of heavy elements (metals) into the interstellar medium (ISM) via stellar feedback processes is crucial for the regulation of star formation and thus galaxy evolution. Metals set the heating and cooling balance in star-forming regions and establish the carbon chemistry that is necessary for life on our planet.
Metallicity Measurements
The gas-phase metal abundance (metallicity) is the most accessible measure of the build-up of chemical enrichment over cosmic time. However, there are large systematic uncertainties in our metallicity measurements, to the extent that we do not know if most galaxies are metal-rich or metal-poor compared to the Milky Way.
These long-standing uncertainties plague our understanding of metal variations, but can now be addressed by vast new homogeneous data sets resolving tens of thousands of individual HII regions across nearby galaxies.
Project Overview
This ambitious ERC starting grant tackles this problem by applying a data-driven approach to emission line measurements in:
- Our own Milky Way
- Local Group galaxies (SDSS-V/LVM)
- More distant Local Volume galaxies (PHANGS-MUSE)
This project aims to resolve long-standing discrepancies in absolute metallicity calibrations and develop new and robust prescriptions that directly address electron temperature uncertainties.
Methodology
We will apply our methods to map out metallicity variations across more than 50 galaxies, providing quantitative constraints on the mixing scale and correlations with local physical conditions in the ISM.
Leadership and Impact
My leadership roles in LVM and PHANGS uniquely qualify me to lead this proposed ERC project. By establishing a new homogeneous local benchmark for absolute metallicity measurements, the ISM-METALS project will build a foundation for future studies of galaxy metallicities, enabling the robust interpretation of metallicity variations soon to be measured across cosmic time with upcoming new facilities (JWST, ELT).
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 1.500.000 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 1.500.000 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-10-2023 |
| Einddatum | 30-9-2028 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERGpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Massive-binary EvoluTion Across the metallicity Ladder
The METAL project aims to enhance understanding of massive stars' evolution and their role in cosmic events by utilizing extensive spectroscopic data to study their properties across varying metallicities.
Dissecting Dust in the Distant Universe: A Panchromatic Study with JWST and ALMA
This project aims to leverage JWST's capabilities to study interstellar dust properties and their impact on galaxy evolution during key cosmic epochs, enhancing our understanding of star formation.
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.
Light elements in irons and metal-rich meteorites: Their isotopic distribution and evolution in the protoplanetary disk
Project IRONIS aims to analyze isotopic variations of H, C, and N in iron meteorites to understand their distribution during early planetary accretion and implications for life's origins.
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.