Cosmic Chemistry, From Simplicity to Complexity

by Prof. Amiel Sternberg

Tau

at Physics Colloquium

Tue, 14 May 2019, 15:30
Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology (51), room 015

Abstract

I will present an overview of chemistry in the cosmos, from the formation of the first stars in the early Universe, to present-day galaxies and the stellar and planetary systems that they contain. The chemical composition of the interstellar medium in galaxies, including the Milky Way, plays an essential role in the thermal and dynamical evolution of turbulent star-forming molecular clouds, the gravitational collapse of protostellar cores, and the formation of protoplanetary disks and systems. A rich interstellar inventory, from simple diatomics to an array of multi-atom organic molecules traces the growth of complexity in the Universe, including the habitable zones required for the emergence of Life.

Created on 10-05-2019 by Eichler, David (eichler)
Updaded on 10-05-2019 by Eichler, David (eichler)