CONSTELLATION · The origin of Stellar Masses
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2006-12-01 → 2010-11-30
- EU contribution
- €3,409,322
- Participants
- 12
- Scheme
- RTN
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - CONSTELLATION (Constellation: The Origin of Stellar Masses.)
CONSTELLATION conducted a programme of cutting-edge astronomical research into the "origin of stellar masses". The research aimed at furthering our understanding of how stars are formed and, in particular, how stars come to have their final masses. The project involved a broad range of observational and theoretical projects divided into three major themes or Work Packages. Each WP was co-ordinated by two network scientists, generally one observer and one theoretician. Work Package 1 focused on investigating how molecular clouds evolve into dense molecular cores which subsequently collapse to protostars. In particular, the focus was on how the initial conditions in molecular clouds and star formation processes are imprinted on the final distribution of stellar masses, the so-called `initial mass function'. Work Package 2 examined the birth and influence of massive stars. The aim here was to study the formation mechanisms of massive stars, and assessing their impact on the surrounding environment. Work Package 3 concentrated on the physics of the low-mass end of the initial mass function, in particular the measuring the abundances of brown dwarfs and studying their formation mechanisms. The work also involved studying their physical properties and their relationship to planets given that low-mass brown dwarfs and high-mass planets are very similar. The research was conducted by scientists in 12 teams in seven countries across Europe. The network hired 22 young researchers during the 4-year project who were trained in the methods and techniques necessary to work on the project and become research astronomers. The network also ran 4 training schools and organised two international conferences. The training schools were primarily for the benefit of the young researchers, but some were also open to other participants. The conferences were open to international participants.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
CONSTELLATION will bring together 12 European teams and recruit 17 young researchers to attack some of the key problems concerning the origin of stellar masses. The scientific goals of the network are concentrated in three main tasks: the fragmentation and collapse of molecular clouds into clusters and aggregates of protostars; the formation of massive stars and their impact on their surrounding environment; the form of the low-mass and sub-stellar mass function, and the physical characteristics of brown dwarfs and planetary-mass free-floating objects.The most important aspect of the scientific work is that each task combines multi-wavelength observational studies with state-of-the-art numerical simulations and theoretical modelling, making full use of the wide range of expertise, experience, and access to world-leading observational and computing resources within the network. In addition, CONSTELLATION will also involve integration with ongoing European e-science and 'virtual observatory' projects, and a unique schools-based outreach programme.The young researchers employed in the network will enjoy exposure to and training in a broad range of problems in this key area of astronomy, with access to leading ground- and space-based observing facilities and supercomputers optimised for astrophysical fluid simulation. Through their involvement in distributed, network ed science and a series of schools, workshops, secondments, and conferences, they will gain important knowledge and experience from the CONSTELLATION network, as well as playing a central role in its success.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER · EXETERCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
- ASTRONOMICAL INSTITUTE - ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC · ONDREJOVCzechia
- ASTROPHYSIKALISCHES INSTITUT POTSDAM · POTSDAMGermany
- CARDIFF UNIVERSITY · CARDIFFUnited Kingdom
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) · PARISFrance
- ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE DE LYON · LYONFrance
- FUNDAÇAO DA FACULDADE DE CIENCIAS DA UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA · LISBOAPortugal
- INSTITUTO DE ASTROFÍSICA DE CANARIAS · LA LAGUNASpain
- ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI ASTROFISICA · ROMAItaly
- UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIER - GRENOBLE 1 · GRENOBLEFrance
- UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS · ST ANDREWSUnited Kingdom
- University of Cambridge · CambridgeUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union