Characterizing Volatile Composition in Preplanetary Disks

圣母大学的埃里卡·吉布博士和特伦斯·雷蒂格博士将开展一项旨在提高我们对年轻恒星周围行星形成区域化学成分的理解的计划。特别是，将对低质量的T-Tauri恒星进行研究。这项研究将利用高分辨率和中分辨率的近红外光谱来解决有关行星形成环境中的化学成分的基本问题。具体的工作将包括在年轻恒星周围的圆盘中搜索和表征生物前重要的气相分子，以及向低质量恒星形成区域的冰幔成分的表征。促进对生命起源的进一步认识，将对这一研究产生更广泛的影响。该项目还将促进本科生的教育。最后，私人投资机构计划向公众宣传，出版他们的工作，在全国会议上发表演讲，并邀请演讲，以便向广大受众传播结果，目的是进一步教育和促进人们对了解我们的宇宙起源的兴趣。

AST-0507419INSTITUTION: University of Notre DamePI: Erika GibbTITLE: Characterizing Volatile Composition in Preplanetary DisksABSTRACTDr.Erika Gibb and Dr. Terrence Rettig, at the University of Notre Dame, will undertake a program aimed toward improving our understanding of the chemistry in regions of planet formation around young stars. In particular, low mass T-Tauri stars will be investigated. The research will utilize both high- and medium-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy to address fundamental questions regarding the chemical composition in planet formation environments. Specific efforts will involve searches and characterization of prebiotically important gas phase molecules in disks around young stars, and the characterization of ice mantle constituents toward low mass star forming regions. The promotion of a further understanding of the origins of life will lead to broader impact of the research. This program will also promote the education of undergraduate students. Finally, the PIs plan public outreach, publication of their work, presentations at national meetings, and invited talks in order to disseminate results to a broad audience, with the goal of furthering education and promoting an interest in understanding our cosmic origins.