Title:  Tracking Volatile Elements in Protoplanetary Disks

Abstract:  Planet-forming gas and dust that surrounds young stars provides insight into the early development of planets and planetary systems. These “protoplanetary” disks provide a window into the past of our solar system and views of what could have been if the conditions were different. The complex physical structure of protoplanetary disks also makes them fascinating environments for astrochemical studies. Large gradients in density and temperature result in several distinct zones within the disk, each ruled by chemical processes that favor different carriers of important volatile elements, including carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. How these elements are distributed throughout planet-forming materials in protoplanetary disks will affect the final composition and habitability of planets that form from them. I will present the results of our investigations into the major carriers of C, N, and O across a range of protoplanetary disks using a combination of physical-chemical disk models and (sub-)mm observations. These studies explore the amount and composition of planet-forming materials present in different disk environments and contribute to our understanding of the wide variety of planetary systems that have been observed.

Host:  Ian Czekala

Please email CEHW-SEMINAR-QUESTIONS@lists.psu.edu to register.