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Matthew A Dennis
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Adviser: Dr. Erika Gibb
Abstract
The spectra taken of comet C/2007 N3 (Lulin) are examined in this study in an effort to identify production rates of organic molecules present within the comet's coma. The temperature range at which the comet formed is also identified by examining the ortho/para ratio of the comet's water ices. These observations will contribute to a growing catalog of chemical conditions within comets, which will in turn lead to a better understanding of the conditions in the early solar system
Matt Dennis grew up in and around the Greater St. Louis Area in Missouri. After a brief but very eventful time as a music major, and a brief but very uneventful time as a drafter, he decided that the time was right to fulfill a life-long desire: to earn a PhD in science. Matt is now making the most of his time at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, working closely with Dr. Erika Gibb on her comet research, and learning all he can about the origins of the universe. He still enjoys music, but only as a hobby. |
