Title:
NEBULAR SPECTROSCOPY OF A KILONOVA WITH JWST
Agreement Value:
$10,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 29, 2022 - Dec 30, 2024
Description:
Following the JWST ERS and Cycle 1 GO Announcement of Opportunity published on June 14, 2021, the CSA is providing funding via a Grant Agreement to the university to conduct their research using the JWST data.
Gravitational wave and optical/infrared detections of the binary neutron star merger GW170817/AT2017gfo revealed the astrophysical site of heavy element production via rapid neutron capture (the r-process). Emission from a "kilonova" powered by the radioactive decay of these elements was used to infer the bulk abundances of r-process species and a handful of lighter elements in its outer layers, but we still have no "smoking gun" evidence that any specific heavy elements, especially lanthanides (Z>57), were produced in the ejecta. This proposal will take advantage of the unique capabilities of JWST to obtain infrared spectra of a kilonova at late times in order to search for direct signatures of heavy element production.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the
future.
Location:
Toronto, Ontario, CA M5S 1A1
Reference Number:
003-2021-2022-Q4-00040
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
Funding will be distributed over 2 financial years (FY) as follows:
Year 1 (FY 21/22): $3,500
Year 2 (FY 22/23): $6,500
Amendment Date
Jan 29, 2024
Recipient's Operating Name:
University of Toronto
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.