Interstellar Astrophysics of the Intergalactic Medium

AST-0707474 Shull该项目是对基本天体物理过程的广泛理论研究，用于了解第一批恒星和星系的形成，重元素的产生和分布，以及宇宙历史早期星系际介质的物理状态。 星星的形成、化学史、电离过程、重元素的传输、气体的冷却和加热、分子的形成和破坏以及第一批恒星和类星体电离辐射的产生和传输都将受益于开发的建模算法，这些算法将被纳入公开的数值模拟。 这项研究将有助于理解高红移宇宙中星系、恒星和气体的演化，包括当前和未来在光学、紫外、红外和亚毫米波长的观测。首席研究员（PI）和他的团队成员将继续他们长期以来的记录，提供大量的教育和公众研究报告和普遍感兴趣的天文学。 PI已经赞助高中生参加暑期项目，并希望继续这样做。 他还积极参与研究生和博士后培训，以及国家和专业服务组织。 该小组以前的研究促进了几种通用工具，包括新的模拟代码和原子和分子物理学在星际和星系间研究中的应用，以及光谱形成代码。

AST-0707474ShullThis project is a broad theoretical study of the fundamental astrophysical processes used to understand the formation of the first stars and galaxies, the production and distribution of heavy elements, and the physical state of the intergalactic medium at early times in the history of the Universe. Star formation, chemical history, ionization processes, transport of heavy elements, cooling and heating of the gas, formation and destruction of molecules, and the production and transport of ionizing radiation from the first stars and quasars, will all benefit from the developed modeling algorithms, which will be incorporated into publicly accessible numerical simulations. This research will help to understand the evolution of galaxies, stars, and gas in the high-redshift Universe, including current and future observations at optical, ultra-violet, infrared, and sub-millimeter wavelengths.The principal investigator (PI) and his team members will continue their long record of giving numerous educational and public presentations of research and general-interest astronomy. The PI has sponsored high school students in summer projects, and expects to continue doing so. He is also active in graduate and postdoctoral training, and national and professional service organizations. Previous research by this group has promoted several general tools, including new simulation codes and the application of atomic and molecular physics to interstellar and intergalactic studies, as well as to spectrum formation codes.