# A Tool for Generating Synthetic Observations of Galactic Atmospheres

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · California Institute of Technology (CA) · $384,629

## Abstract

One of the most important problems in astrophysics today is understanding what physical processes occur in galaxies as they form and age. To resolve this problem, scientists are studying the low-density gas around galaxies, which is sometimes called a galaxy's atmosphere. New space telescopes are being designed to observe the faint light of these atmospheres. However, these efforts require theoretical models to help decipher what these observations mean. In this program, the investigators will write software to generate simulated observations of galaxies and their atmospheres from theoretical models. This software will be applied to several different galaxy simulations to make predictions for next-generation telescopes. Additionally, this proposal will sustain and build on the innovative public education program at Caltech Astro, which produces more than 50 science outreach events with over 20,000 attendees annually. This program is designed with both standard outreach events and activities to explicitly engage people in original settings like national parks. 

This program will focus on better understanding the gas in and around galaxies known as the circumgalactic medium (CGM). The proposal team will develop and release an open-source software tool for generating synthetic observations of the CGM in both line emission and absorption in the ultraviolet, optical, and infrared. It will account for collisional ionization and local photoionizing sources, incorporating stellar

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2511893
- **Awardee organization:** California Institute of Technology (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** U2JMKHNS5TG4
- **PI:** Cameron B Hummels
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS, OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
- **Estimated total:** $384,629
- **Funds obligated:** $384,629
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2511893

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2511893, A Tool for Generating Synthetic Observations of Galactic Atmospheres. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2511893. Licensed CC0.

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