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Research Focus:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Research in this group includes astrobiology and the chemistry of the interstellar medium, as well as many areas of galactic and extragalactic astronomy.
Astrobiology and Interstellar Chemistry
Research in astrobiology (the branch of biology concerned with the effects of outer space on living organisms) and interstellar chemistry describes the evolution of the interstellar clouds into new solar systems.
Current interest focuses on spectroscopic detection of organic molecules in interstellar dust and gas, and their contribution to the organic inventory of protoplanetary disks.
Theoretical projects include simulations of protostellar collapse, multifluid magnetohydrodynamic shock waves, and shock chemistry.
Galactic and Intergalactic Astronomy
Research includes studies of how galaxies form and in particular how the Milky Way galaxy formed. The process of galaxy formation includes the gravitational effects of dark matter, the hydrodynamics of gas clouds, and energy feedback from formation and death of stars. It is thought that galaxies like the Milky Way form through the merging of many smaller galaxies over the entire history of the Universe. This research is carried out in conjunction with a large, international collaboration called the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS II).
Astrophysics
When studying astrophysics, you use physics and math to determine why the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist the way they do. Physical characteristics, chemical constitution, light, heat, and atmospheres are included in this study.
Recent research includes the synthesis of biogenic compounds by shocks in the solar nebula, and the physical and chemical properties of dust grains that carry biogenic elements in interstellar clouds.
Faculty
Heidi Newberg, Wayne Roberge, and Doug Whittet.
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