The Cygnus X Region in 3D

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The proposed research project will explore the three-dimensional structure of one of the largest and most complex molecular cloud and star forming complexes in our Galaxy: the Cygnus X region. In this proposal I apply for funds to support two graduate students, training the next generation of radio astronomers at the scientific frontier and preparing them for the arrival of the ALMA telescope. We are on the path to solving the mysteries surrounding the star formation process at unprecedented detail with the ALMA telescope. This project will get us one step closer to the solution and may provide the ground work needed to fully exploit the capabilities of ALMA. There are still many outstanding questions about the process whereby stars are created from massive molecular clouds. This process is heavily connected to the life-cycle of the molecular material in the interstellar medium. I would like to address the many outstanding questions by a large-scale molecular line survey of one of the largest and most complex star forming complexes in our Galaxy: the Cygnus X region. To unveil the true nature of Cygnus~X and its components a three-dimensional survey at sub-arcminute resolution is necessary in order to reveal the dynamical interrelation of the many objects. With many objects superimposed along the line of sight, this is one of the most complex regions in the sky and the study of individual objects is challenging. Nevertheless, within one small field of view we can investigate a very wide range of interstellar processes. It is objects such as Cygnus X, and not smaller, less active regions, that we are able to see in external galaxies. Understanding Cygnus X will be a step towards successful interpretation of our observations of the more distant universe.