Magnetic Zooms: Testing how magnetic fields shape galaxy structure and star formation

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Magnetic fields pervade galaxies. They trace the interstellar medium and provide an important source of pressure support against gravity that will slow the process of transforming gas into stars. Understanding how fields evolve, and their true dynamic importance is still an unresolved question, but it is crucial for our understanding of both galaxy evolution and star and planet formation. In this project we will use some of the highest resolution simulations of galactic magnetic fields ever performed and zoom into even more detail to investigate how magnetic fields affect the formation of cold molecular clouds of gas, the efficiency with which they form stars, and the distribution of stars within them. In this project you will use the DiRAC supercomputing facility to carry out advanced HPC simulations as part of the P.I's "Zooming into Star Formation" thematic project. Data analysis will be mainly carried out in python, using scripts already written within the group, but also developed by the student. Our results will then be critically compared with observations from the SOPHIA FIELDMAPS survey, polarised dust maps, and HI observations. Some knowledge of basic programming, particularly in python, would be desirable but training will be provided as part of the PhD.