Workgroup of Prof. Dr. Arshia M. Jacob
Galactic Ecosystems group:
Building on Sir Arthur Tansley’s concept of ecosystems –viewing nature as an interconnected whole– galaxies can be understood as self-regulating systems, where the formation of stars and planets is balanced by feedback processes such as stellar winds, outflows, and supernovae, which return mass and energy to the interstellar medium. Additionally, supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies play a crucial role in this feedback cycle, influencing the flow of matter and energy.
The research conducted in this group will explore how these interactions unfold across a wide range of different length scales and timescales, with a particular focus on molecular clouds. As reservoirs of star-forming material, these clouds provide a unique lens through which to study the complex dynamics of galactic ecosystems. Tackling this inherently complex, multi-scale, and multi-physics problem will require an integrated approach, drawing on the core pillars of astrophysical research: observations, simulations, and laboratory astrophysics. In doing so, we highlight the broad applicability of fundamental physics and chemistry—from controlled experiments on Earth to phenomena in distant galaxies—while remaining receptive to new physics emerging from recent breakthroughs.
Tools used:
Telescopes: APEX 12 m telescope, Effelsberg 100 m telescope, IRAM 30m telescope, MeerKAT, NOEMA, Onsala 20m telescope, Parkes radio telescope, uGMRT, VLA (SOFIA, Herschel)
Spectroscopic databases: CDMS
Data reduction tools: GILDAS/CLASS, CASA, CARTA
Data analysis and modelling tools: XCLASS, RADEX, RATRAN, Meudon PDR, 3D-PDR, SILCC, PyRate
Galactic Ecosystems group:
Research interests:
- Astrochemistry focusing on hydrides and other small molecules
- Absorption spectroscopy
- Molecular spectroscopy of astronomical objects at radio and (sub-)millimeter wavelengths
Contact information:
- Phone: +49 221 / 470 3546
- Email: ajacob (at) ph1.uni-koeln.de, ajacob (at) mpifr-bonn.mpg.de
Consultation hours: Upon agreement in Room 205 in the I. Institute of Physics, University of Cologne.