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Abstracts (3/9) The TEXES/Gemini Survey for Protoplanetary Disk Gas I will present results of our search for mid-infrared H2 emission from young stars with disks carried out in July and November 2006 using TEXES on Gemini North. In sources where we detect emission in multiple lines, we are able to estimate the temperature and mass of the warm gas. Combining our high resolution observations with an estimate of the disk inclination angle allows us to estimate the radial location of the emitting gas. For one source, AB Aur, we have compared our results to the temperature expected if the gas were heated exclusively through gas/dust collisions and concluded that additional heating mechanisms such as X-ray and UV heating are necessary to explain our observations. We expect TEXES to be available to the astronomical community on Gemini North again in Fall 2007. (3/30) Dopant effects on the structure and chemistry of amorphous solid water My research is on the effects of methanol and other acids on the structure/phase of amorphous solid water, with attention to the diffusion rates and effects on trapping other molecules, changing the crystallization process/temperature, and changing the surface area. I hope to determine how these changes could affect the chemistry possible in/on ASW and its pores. (5/4) Simulations for Teaching Astronomy How can you do a demonstration that explains to a class what a gas is? You can't see the atoms moving around. The answer is that you use a simulation. There is a great set of simulations at http://phet.colorado.edu. We'll play with some of them. |
27 April 2007
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
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Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu