Plasma Astrophysics under Extreme Conditions. A new branch of theoretical physics, quantum plasmadynamics (QPD), will be applied to plasmas under extreme conditions of magnetic field and density, to plasma-neutrino effects and nonlinear radiation.
Magnetic energy dissipation in solar flares will be attributed to a large number of coupled, local, transient, anomalously resistive regions excited by current filamentation. The model will include nonlocal energy release at Alfvenic fronts, 3D reconn ....Plasma Astrophysics under Extreme Conditions. A new branch of theoretical physics, quantum plasmadynamics (QPD), will be applied to plasmas under extreme conditions of magnetic field and density, to plasma-neutrino effects and nonlinear radiation.
Magnetic energy dissipation in solar flares will be attributed to a large number of coupled, local, transient, anomalously resistive regions excited by current filamentation. The model will include nonlocal energy release at Alfvenic fronts, 3D reconnection at magnetic nulls, and bulk energization of electrons.
`Coherence? in sources of coherent emission will be quantified and a model for its interpretation for highly intermittent wave growth will be formulated.Read moreRead less
Feedback Processes in Galaxy Formation. We have an opportunity to combine the best Australian theory with the best local and international telescopes, to probe the murky story of how galaxies form and why they look they way they do today. By looking back to a time when the Universe was only 1 billion years old, and comparing what we see with cutting edge supercomputer simulations plus pure theory, we will gain insight into the birth of entire galaxies. The results will form part of the study o ....Feedback Processes in Galaxy Formation. We have an opportunity to combine the best Australian theory with the best local and international telescopes, to probe the murky story of how galaxies form and why they look they way they do today. By looking back to a time when the Universe was only 1 billion years old, and comparing what we see with cutting edge supercomputer simulations plus pure theory, we will gain insight into the birth of entire galaxies. The results will form part of the study of how the universe works - that is driving astrophysics today, and represents pure research for the sake of advancing knowledge and showing us where we fit into the Universe. In doing so we will also advance Australia's base of theoretical and computational expertise.Read moreRead less
Imaging circumstellar matter at high resolution. Within contemporary astrophysics there is a particular fascination with matter in near-stellar environments. Studies of stellar and planetary systems from formation through to eventual destruction entail observation of material, principally dust and gas, playing their parts on a very remote stage. A new generation of telescopes, known as interferometers, deliver extremely high resolutions enabling our first direct glimpses of these phenomena. Here ....Imaging circumstellar matter at high resolution. Within contemporary astrophysics there is a particular fascination with matter in near-stellar environments. Studies of stellar and planetary systems from formation through to eventual destruction entail observation of material, principally dust and gas, playing their parts on a very remote stage. A new generation of telescopes, known as interferometers, deliver extremely high resolutions enabling our first direct glimpses of these phenomena. Here I propose using a number of these devices in concert in order to dramatically enhance their scientific payoff. In addition to enabling unique studies of stellar systems, new techniques for merging disparate data into powerful combined forms will be devised.Read moreRead less