Adventures with H3+: in the Laboratory, Planets, Interstellar Clouds, the Galactic Center, and Beyond


Martes, 01 Abril 2014 9 a.m. — 10 a.m. MST

AURA Lecture Hall

NOIRLab South Colloquia
TOM GEBALLE (Gemini Observatory, Hilo, Hawaii and Gemini South Visiting Astronomer)

I will present in a semi-historical fashion the history of the triatomic molecular ion H3+, from its discovery in the laboratory over a century ago, through the realization of its key role in interstellar gas phase chemistry and its detection in interstellar space, and to its current use as a tool in understanding the interstellar environment in the Galaxy and perhaps beyond.