Spectroscopy of QSOs (Astronomy)

在两个广泛的观测领域的几个问题将被解决：(1)QSO的本征线和连续性质，以及(2)在中间材料中产生的QSO吸收线系统的物理性质。第一个领域的工作目标是通过观察从x射线到远红外的大量物体的光谱能量分布，以及对吸积盘和非热成分的建模，更好地了解QSOs中的连续能量产生过程。通过监测轻度变化的物体的可变性，观察哪些光谱成分一起变化，哪些单独变化，可以进一步了解连续体产生区域的性质。第二个领域的工作目标是通过获得高红移QSO的高分辨率光谱，了解产生QSO吸收线的云的物理条件和起源。要研究的系统类型包括可能出现在原始或原星系气体云中的莱曼线或林线系统，可能出现在星系晕或星系盘中的金属线系统，以及可能出现在星系盘中的非常厚的阻尼莱曼线或系统。互动活动包括教授天文学专题课程，在天文学入门课程中进行客座讲座，参加大学荣誉计划，加入讨论会委员会，将女性演讲者带到大学，以及在大学天文馆进行公开讲座。该项目进一步推进了VPW计划的目标，即(1)为女性提供在工程和NSF支持的科学学科中发展职业的机会；(2)通过为在工业、政府和学术机构工作的女性科学家和工程师提供更大的知名度，鼓励女性在科学和工程领域追求职业。通过鼓励妇女参与科学，这是对国家未来科学活力的宝贵投资。

Several questions in two broad observational areas will be addressed: (1) the intrinsic line and continuum properties of QSOs, and (2) the physical properties of the QSO absorption line systems which arise in intervening material. The goal of the work in the first area is to gain a better understanding of the continuum energy production processes in QSOs, through observation of the spectral energy distributions of a large number of objects from the X-ray to the far IR, and modeling of the accretion disk and nonthermal components. Further clues to the nature of the continuum production regions are given by monitoring the variability of mildly variable objects, to see which spectral components vary together, and which vary separately. The goal of the work in the second area is to understand the physical conditions and origins of the clouds which give rise to the QSO absorption lines, by obtaining very high resolution spectra of high redshift QSOs. The types of systems to be studied include the Lyman or forest lines, which may arise in primordial or protogalactic gas clouds, the metal line systems which probably arise in the halos or disks of galaxies, and the very thick damped Lyman or systems, which probably arise in galaxy disks. Interactive activities include teaching a special topics course in astronomy, giving guest lectures in introductory astronomy courses, participating in the University honors program, joining the colloquium committee to bring women speakers to the University, and giving public lectures at the University planetarium. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.