Energetics and Kinematics of Feedback from Young Stars

Title Energetics and Kinematics of Feedback from Massive Young Stars

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code
0200-NPP-MAR
26-JPL-Astrophys

How To Apply
All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements:

How to Apply

| NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org). A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Final date to receive applications
3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Massive young stars return energy to their surroundings via radiative and mechanical processes. This feedback may well control the rate of star formation and thus the evolution of galaxies. Probing this feedback requires measurement of momentum and energy inputs from the stars to their surroundings. These quantities can best be measured by far infrared fine structure line emission, particularly of ionized carbon ([CII]), ionized nitrogen ([NII]), and atomic oxygen ([OI]).

These lines can be observed at high spectral resolution required to measure velocity shifts and thus dynamics. Platforms to date have included SOFIA and the STO-2 balloon mission. We have large quantities of data from SOFIA, both new and archival, that directly relate to this important issue. In addition we are heavily involved in the GUSTO ultra‑long duration balloon mission that will observe all three of these species over a significant portion of the Galactic plane.

GUSTO is scheduled for flight in December 2022, and data will be available almost immediately. The ASTHROS mission to study [NII] is just starting, and will fly in 2023. The holder of NPP will work at JPL with a group of scientists involved in analysis of fine structure lines and modeling of photon‑dominated regions. He or she will develop improved methods of data reduction and extraction of key parameters for determining the kinematics and dynamics of the gas surrounding massive young stars.

The Astrophysics and Space Sciences Section at JPL includes scientists working on a wide range of astrophysical problems and provides a broadly stimulating environment along with the chance to interact with engineers developing new instrumentation, and scientists working on concepts for new missions.

Location
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science Astrophysics

Advisors

• Paul F. Goldsmith (Paul.
  
  F.Goldsmitha.gov, (818) 393‑0518)

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status;
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with
  1) a valid EAD card and
  2) I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp.