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Philip Janini
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri - Saint Louis
One University Boulevard, Saint Louis,
Advisor: Dr. Erika L. Gibb
Abstract
The isotopic abundances of hydrogen and deuterium in comets are an important marker for early solar nebula processes and the formation of the solar system. To this end, comet 2002 C1/Ikeya-Zhang was studied using high resolution (& #955/& #916;& #955 ? 25,000) near infrared spectroscopy at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i. After reduction and subtraction of atmospheric spectral lines, a chi squared minimization method was used to determine a three sigma upper limit of Q(HDO) < 1.028×1030 molecules/second. The significance of this finding and further investigation is discussed.
Philip Janini is originally from Kent, Ohio and currently enrolled as an undergraduate in the chemistry program. Previous research has been in the fields of DNA binding dyes and the detection, identification, and quantification of chemical weapons. His intention is to complete PhD work in Physical Chemistry, work in spectroscopy and related fields, and teach.
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