The Origins of Molecular Clouds

Rosolowsky Erik W, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0502605 Rosolowsky, Erik Dr. Rosolowsky is awarded an NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship to carry out a program of research and education at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). Extragalactic observations provide a unique opportunity to study the origins of molecular clouds, a largely unexplored step in the origins of the Solar System. Dr. Rosolowsky's research encompasses several extragalactic observational campaigns that will (1) provide a multi-waveband picture of the molecular interstellar medium of the galaxy M33, (2) compare molecular clouds across the Local Group of galaxies and (3) extend the Local Group data to other galaxies by examining the galaxy-scale formation mechanism of molecular gas. With significant progress along these three lines, the project will result in a significantly clearer picture of the formation and evolution of the molecular ISM in the local Universe, which is essential to understand both star formation and galactic evolution in our era and in the past. Dr. Rosolowsky will also conduct an educational program in collaboration with the CfA Science Education Department that will focus on training new astronomy instructors in recent developments in science education. The project will produce a training course and associated materials designed for first-time astronomy instructors.