Laboratory Astrophysics and Space Research


Book Description

The book presents the most recent developments of laboratory studies in astrophysics and space research. The individual chapters review laboratory investigations under simulated space conditions, studies for the design of successful space experiments or for supporting the interpretation of astronomical and space mission recorded data. Related theoretical models, numerical simulations and in situ observations demonstrate the necessity of experimental work on the Earth's surface. The expertise of the contributing scientists covers a broad spectrum and is included in general overviews from fundamental science to recent space technology. The book intends to serve as a reference for researchers and graduate students on the most recent activities and results in laboratory astrophysics, and to give reviews of their applications in astronomy, planetology, cosmochemistry, space research and Solar System exploration.




Stellar Evolution, Stellar Explosions, and Galactic Chemical Evolution, Proceedings of the Second Oak Ridge Symposium on Atomic and Nuclear Astrophysics, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 2-6 December 1997


Book Description

Bringing together atomic physicists, nuclear physicists, astronomers, and astrophysicists from around the world, Stellar Evolution, Stellar Explosions, and Galactic Chemical Evolution focuses on stellar atmospheres; stellar evolution; stellar explosions, such as novae, supernovae, and x-ray bursters; pregalactic and galactic chemical evolution; the interstellar medium; and atomic and nuclear data for astrophysics. Consisting of invited papers, invited posters, and contributed posters, this volume covers observations, modeling, and atomic and nuclear physics foundations, including data, experiments, and theories, that are essential to understanding these important astrophysical objects and events. It documents a confluence of atomic physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics and a confluence of data from atomic and nuclear physics experiments from current-generation astronomical instruments-all have helped advance the frontier in our understanding of the universe.




Chemistry in Space


Book Description

This volume contains the lectures presented at the first course of the Inter national School of Space Chemistry held in Erice (Sicily) from May 10 to May 20 at the 'E. Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture'. The course was attended by 57 participants from 11 countries. The recognition by Professor A. Zichichi that space chemistry is one of the important and rapidly growing scientific disciplines with many and varied appli cations provided the stimulation to initiate this new school. Historically, the study of chemistry in space had its major origins in comets, the solar nebula and circumstellar envelopes before the interstellar medium achieved its current prominence. A remarkably rapid development in interstellar chemistry was precipitated by the discovery of formaldehyde in the late 1960's made possible by the new radio observational techniques. A four atom molecule in interstellar space was indeed a surprise considering that only a short time ear lier there were still arguments about the existence of the simplest of all molecules - the hydrogen molecule. The application of ion-molecule reactions to interstellar cloud chemistry provided a rich variety of new possibilities which were, however, continuously under pressure to keep pace with radio-astronomical discoveries of more and more complex molecules.




Molecular Carbon in the Galaxy


Book Description

In a collaboration with the Mats Larsson group from Stockholm, we carried out a new measurement of the rate of dissociative recombination of H(sup *, sub j), using a new pulsed supersonic beam source of rotationally cold H(sup *, sub j). This source was first designed and characterized in our lab by IR cavity ringdown spectroscopy, determining a rotationaYtranslationa1 temperature of 20-60K, depending on conditions. This new source was then taken to Stockholm for the recombination rate studies at the CRYRING storage ring. The recombination rate constant measured against temperature yields values consistent with the most recent calculations, whereas previous experimental measurements varied over a range of 10(exp 4) and were poor agreement with theory. This is a crucial achievement for understanding the ion chemistry of diffuse clouds. Moreover, this result in combination with recent observations implies a greatly enhanced (factor of 40) cosmic ray ionization rate in a diffuse cloud (zeta Persei) relative to previous studies. The implications of this are discussed in our recent Nature paper. An enhanced cosmic-ray flux towards zeta Persei inferred from a laboratory study of the H(sup *, sub j)-e(sup -) recombination rate. Saykally, Richard James Goddard Space Flight Center




Handbook of High-resolution Spectroscopy


Book Description

The field of High-Resolution Spectroscopy has been considerably extended and even redefined in some areas. Combining the knowledge of spectroscopy, laser technology, chemical computation, and experiments, Handbook of High-Resolution Spectroscopy provides a comprehensive survey of the whole field as it presents itself today, with emphasis on the recent developments. This essential handbook for advanced research students, graduate students, and researchers takes a systematic approach through the range of wavelengths and includes the latest advances in experiment and theory that will help and guide future applications. The first comprehensive survey in high-resolution molecular spectroscopy for over 15 years Brings together the knowledge of spectroscopy, laser technology, chemical computation and experiments Brings the reader up-to-date with the many advances that have been made in recent times Takes the reader through the range of wavelengths, covering all possible techniques such as Microwave Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, VIS, UV and VUV Combines theoretical, computational and experimental aspects Has numerous applications in a wide range of scientific domains Edited by two leaders in this field Provides an overview of rotational, vibration, electronic and photoelectron spectroscopy Volume 1 - Introduction: Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy Volume 2 - High-Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy: Methods and Results Volume 3 - Special Methods & Applications




Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy


Book Description

Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy: Techniques and Applications provides a practical overview of this valuable analytical tool, explaining the fundamental concepts and experimental methods, and illustrating important applications. Designed as both an introductory text and a reference source, this book is relevant for scientists unfamiliar with CRDS who are interested in using the technique in their research, as well as experienced users.







Biology for AP ® Courses


Book Description

Biology for AP® courses covers the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester Advanced Placement® biology course. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology for AP® Courses was designed to meet and exceed the requirements of the College Board’s AP® Biology framework while allowing significant flexibility for instructors. Each section of the book includes an introduction based on the AP® curriculum and includes rich features that engage students in scientific practice and AP® test preparation; it also highlights careers and research opportunities in biological sciences.




Biological Perspectives


Book Description