The Central Molecular Zone of our Galaxy: Tracing Stages of Star Formation in this Unique Region
| Date/Time: | Monday, 16 Nov 2015 from 4:10 pm to 5:00 pm |
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| Location: | Physics 0003 |
| Phone: | 515-294-5441 |
| Channel: | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| Actions: | Download iCal/vCal | Email Reminder |
Abstract
Molecular clouds in the central 200 pc of the Galaxy (the "Central Molecular Zone") exhibit different (and more extreme) physical properties than those in the Galactic disk, yet because this is the closest galactic nucleus, detailed studies of this region can provide insight on galactic nuclei in general in the nearby universe. We have recently undertaken a high spatial and spectral resolution study of a sample of molecular clouds in this region to try to get a better understanding of their detailed properties and what mechanisms might be at play in this unique environment. In this talk I will present several case studies of molecular clouds: (1) a dense and unusual cloud, GCM0.253+0.016 - also known as "The Brick", (2) an evolved region known as the "Sickle" and (3) a compact molecular clump associated with a mysterious radio source known as "N3". All observations were made using the recently upgraded Very Large Array in New Mexico at K (24 to 26 GHz) and Ka (27 and 36 GHz) bands and include continuum imaging and studies of 12 molecular lines, including 8 transitions of ammonia (NH3) and the abundant CH3OH maser. Implications for the orbital trajectories of the clouds in the context of inflow of gas to the Galactic Center region and the recent and potential for future star formation will be discussed.
Bio
Cornelia Chesley Lang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Her research interests focus on understanding the astrophysics at the very center of our Milky Way Galaxy and of other nearby galaxies using radio telescopes at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico and also satellites such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, and several University of Iowa Internal Grants. She has recently served as the chair of a major international science symposium on the Galactic center, and during the last 5 years she has served on the National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey of Astronomy and Astrophysics committee (2009-2010) and the National Science Foundation's Portfolio Review of Astronomical Sciences committee (2010-2012). Professor Lang especially enjoys teaching the large introductory astronomy lecture courses and was awarded with the Collegiate Teaching Award in 2007 and the President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. Currently Professor Lang is teaching a newly-developed general education course entitled "Origins of Life in the Universe". This course is a multi-disciplinary, inquiry-guided course taught by faculty across five departments. In addition, Professor Lang enjoys giving public talks on her research and on astronomy in general to a wide variety of audiences.