Fermion masses, leptogenesis and gravitational waves in SO(10)

Grand Unification Theories (GUTs) predict the unification of three of the fundamental forces and are a possible extension of the Standard Model, some of them predict neutrino mass and baryon asymmetry. We consider a minimal non-supersymmetric $SO(10)$ GUT model that can reproduce the observed fermionic masses and mixing parameters of the Standard Model. We calculate the scales of spontaneous symmetry breaking from the GUT to the Standard Model gauge group using two-loop renormalisation group equations. This procedure determines the proton decay rate and the scale of $U(1)_{B-L}$ breaking, which generates cosmic strings, and the right-handed neutrino mass scales. Consequently, the regions of parameter space where thermal leptogenesis is viable are identified and correlated with the fermion masses and mixing, the neutrinoless double beta decay rate, the proton decay rate, and the gravitational wave signal resulting from the network of cosmic strings. We demonstrate that this framework, which can explain the Standard Model fermion masses and mixing and the observed baryon asymmetry, will be highly constrained by the next generation of gravitational wave detectors and neutrino oscillation experiments which will also constrain the proton lifetime

Tracking, photometry and spectroscopy of space debris: the Malindi, Loiano, Las Campanas and Cerro Tololo observation campaign results

The main purpose of my thesis has been the analysis of the space debris environment and their characterization through optical measurements. In particular I had the opportunity to contribute to the Italian Space Agency activities in space debris optical observation campaign and I cooperated directly with NASA Orbital Debris Program Office by working at the Astronomy Department of the University of Michigan for six months.