February Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Charles J Law, University of Virginia
Topic: The Molecular Universe: An Astrochemical View of the Cosmos
Abstract: Interstellar space was once imagined as wholly inhospitable, at least from a chemical point of view – tenuous and too cold to initiate or sustain an active molecular chemistry. However, since the discovery of the first interstellar molecule in the early 1940s, this view has been dramatically upended. With the help of increasingly sensitive radio telescopes, astronomers have now identified over 300 different molecules in incredibly diverse environments: throughout interstellar clouds, near dying stars, and around planet-forming disks. But there remain outstanding questions, including the ongoing search for complex prebiotic molecules – the building blocks of life. I will present a brief overview of the history of astrochemistry and what molecules in space can teach us about our own cosmic origins.
Bio: Charles Law is a postdoctoral researcher and NASA Sagan Fellow at the University of Virginia, having previously completed both his undergraduate studies and PhD in astrophysics at Harvard University. His research focuses on the chemistry of star and planet formation. He uses observations from radio telescopes such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/sub millimeter Array (ALMA) to characterize the chemical environments in which young planets are forming. As an AAS Astronomy Ambassador, Charles is also interested in science communication and is invested in increasing access and promoting engagement in astronomy and STEM fields.
Format: ZOOM Presentation
Dr. Charles J Law has presented to our club before.
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
530 McCormick Road, P.O. Box 400325
Charlottesville, VA 22904
United States of America
New Room: Agave (down the hall from old location)
5:30 Astro Imaging Meeting
7:00 General Meeting