Star Formation
We employ observations at various wavelengths to study physical conditions and chemistry of gas and dust in the Galaxy. Our research is mainly focused on (but not limited to) questions of star- and planet-formation.
For our observations we use single-dish telescopes as well as interferometers, e.g. at IRAM 30m and PdBI, Effelsberg, JCMT, VLA and the ATNF telescopes; supplemented by observations at infrared and visual wavelengths (e.g. NTT & 3.6m at La Silla, VLT) .
Projects and topics:
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- High-mass star formation: In contrast to low-mass star formation, the formation of high-mass stars still raises many questions. Our observations address for example the search for massive protostellar objects or the study of massive disks around intermediate-mass and massive stars.
- Low-mass star formation and substellar objects: Our group deals with many aspects related to the formation of low-mass objects including observations of disks of brown dwarfs in the thermal and far-infrared as well as in the sub-mm regimes.
- Chemistry in molecular cloud cores: The variation of chemistry during the evolution of molecular clouds (especially the isolated and low-mass Bok Globules) is studied by observations of molecular line emission.
- Chemistry in protoplanetary disks: In order to study the role of the chemistry in protoplanetary disks as well as the interplay with the evolution of the protoplanets in disks, we observe different molecular lines tracers toward these disks using world wide available radio interferometers.
- Fall-back disks around neutron stars: We are searching for the dust emission of fall back disks around neutron stars.
A small radio telescope for education and teaching was installed on the roof of the AIU.
Members:
Claudia Marka (PhD student)
Former members:
M.Sc. Nicole Pawellek
Stefan Baar
Dipl. Phys. Wissam Rammo
Dr. Sabine König
Dr. Jan Forbrich
Dr. Bettina Posselt