Modeling Star Formation in the Milky Way; Precision Updates to Cloudy Numerical Models

天文学家通过观测的数值模型来检验他们对宇宙的理解。这些模型使用来自地球实验室的测量数据，结合许多天文观测，来了解恒星形成云中气体的特性。研究人员的首要目标是改进他们名为Cloudy的建模程序，这样他们就能忠实地模拟大自然。当模拟准确时，天文学家可以推断出这些遥远云层的温度、密度和化学组成。对研究人员计划的改进将提高化学和量子模型的准确性，从而更准确地了解我们的银河系。研究人员改进模型的结果也将增加我们对离地球很远的星系的了解。研究人员将使方法现代化，包括该计划使用的大量量子测量。目前，该程序使用简化的假设来模拟连续线发射比，以及连续线的转移，包括粉尘特性。研究人员将更准确地实现水平群体的方程。在处理辐射传输方面，Cloudy自一致性通过背景连续、自由电子和束缚电子散射以及颗粒发射和吸收来模拟光泵浦的物理过程。除了这项研究活动外，该项目还包括一个强有力的外联部分。肯塔基州的列克星敦有大量的西班牙裔人口。他们在STEM学科中的代表性不足。在一个正在进行的项目的基础上，研究人员将向这些学生介绍科学。调查人员将在高中展示他们的研究成果，并在他们的校园里举办一年一度的“空间节”活动，向学生、家长和老师开放。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Astronomers test their understanding of our Universe by numerical models of observations. These models use measurements from Earth-bound labs, combined with many astronomical observations, to learn the properties of gas in star-forming clouds. The investigators' overarching goal is to improve their modeling program, called Cloudy, so they can faithfully simulate Nature. When the simulation is accurate, astronomers can deduce the temperature, density and chemical makeup of these distant clouds. The planned improvements to the investigators' program will increase the accuracy of chemical and quantum models to yield more accurate understanding of our Milky Way galaxy. The results of the investigators' model improvements will also increase our understanding of galaxies at great distances from the Earth. The investigators will modernize methods for including the wealth of quantum measurements used by the program. Currently the program uses simplifying assumptions for modeling the continuum-to-line emission ratio, and the transfer of continua, including dust properties. The investigators will more accurately implement the equations for level populations. In terms of the treatment of radiative transfer, Cloudy self-consistently models the physics of optical pumping by background continua, free- and bound-electron scattering, and grain emission and absorption. Alongside this research activity, this project involves a strong outreach component. Lexington, KY is home to a significant Hispanic population. They are underrepresented in STEM disciplines. Building on an ongoing program, the investigators will introduce these students to Science. The investigators will present their research at high schools and host an annual "Festival del Espacio" event on their campus open to students, their parents, and teachers.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.