Nautilus/Shock Outflow Research

Presenter: Declan Joseph Noonan

Faculty Sponsor: Andrew Burkhardt

School: Worcester State University

Research Area: Astronomy, Cosmology, and Astrophysics

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A19

ABSTRACT

One of the most critical questions in astronomy is how objects such as planets, stars, and asteroids form. Shock waves from young stars play a key role in heating and compressing the surrounding gas, triggering complex chemical reactions. This research focuses on L1157, a molecular cloud known for active shock-driven outflows.
A central part of this study involves using simulations to model how shocks influence chemical processes and comparing these models to observed data. Simulating the conditions within these shocks allows us to predict how molecules form, evolve, and break apart in extreme environments. This approach helps bridge the gap between what we observe and the underlying processes driving those observations. By refining these models and comparing them to observed data, particularly in the context of protostellar jets, we can better understand the role of shocks in shaping molecular chemistry.
This research contributes to broader insights in astrophysics and planetary science. Studying shock chemistry and its impact on molecular clouds helps reveal the initial stages of star and planet formation. Additionally, understanding how complex molecules form in these environments offers clues about the origins of organic chemistry in space. By combining observational data with advanced modeling and simulation, this study enhances our understanding of the fundamental processes that shape the universe.

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