UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Grant: $311,777 - National Science Foundation - Aug. 31, 2009
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Award Description: Under this award, Drs. Jinyoung Kim (University of Arizona) and William Sherry (National Solar Observatory) will carry out a comprehensive observational study of two star forming regions (the W3 and W4 H II regions) that are representative of an environment where solar system analogs may commonly form. This study will seek to address two fundamental questions: What is the most common environment for the formation of Sun-like stars? and Does star forming environment affect the lifetime of circumstellar disks where planets form, and affect the final masses of young stars? As a part of this work they will conduct: 1) a deep multi-color optical imaging survey of star forming regions in H II region environments to select candidate young stars; 2) optical spectroscopic follow-up to confirm youth and derive masses and ages by placing stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram; and 3) analyze archival near- and mid-infrared data to identify circumstellar disks and characterize their physical properties. The research team will test the idea that planetary systems like our own could preferentially originate in triggered star forming regions in an H II region environment by studying two major physical properties of such regions: a) circumstellar disk frequency as a function of age and mass; and b) whether or not the initial mass function of such regions favors the formation of solar mass stars. This project will provide support for a graduate student research project as well as short-term projects for undergraduate students. Dr. Kim will also participate in existing outreach programs, such as the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, as well as Project ASTRO and the Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) Project, where a connection can be made with local school science teachers and students.
Project Description: See Award Description.
Jobs Summary: N/A (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Aug. 31, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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