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A Coordinated Laboratory and Astronomical Study of the Progenitors of Dust Formation in Carbon-Rich AGB Stars and Oxygen-Rich Giants and Supergiants

A closely coordinated laboratory and astronomical study will be undertaken to identify the seeds of dust formation in three prototypical astronomical objects: a carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star, and an oxygen-rich red supergiant and M-type AGB star. By measuring the rotational spectra of new complex inorganic molecules — i.e., those beyond the previously known simple diatomic and triatomic molecules — radio astronomers using ALMA will be able to begin unveiling the chemistry in the inner envelopes of late type stars which are a major source of planet forming dust.

Project URL:

Geographic Scope:

Project Status: Active - not recruiting volunteers

Participation Tasks: Data analysis, Data entry, Identification, Learning, Problem solving,

Start Date: 2016-07-01

Project Contact: cgottlieb@cfa.harvard.edu

Federal Government Sponsor:

NSF logo ASSI logo

Other Federal Government Sponsor:

Fields of Science: Astronomy and space, Chemistry, Education, Physics

Intended Outcomes: Individual learning,