|
John Keller
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Advisor: Dr. Bruce Wilking
ub
Abstract
The young star forming molecular cloud of Rho Ophiuci is an important region of study because of its proximity of 130 parsecs (425 light years). The lowest mass objects that would normally be too faint are able to studied. The luminosity and temperatures of an unbiased sample of young stars in this cloud to three different theoretical models to derive ages and masses are compared in this investigation. Despite different physics in each model, the age estimates agree reasonably well. There has been some dispute as to whether the molecular cloud of Rho Ophiuchi started star formation at the same time as the nearby Upper Scorpius sub-group or subsequently. The age distribution of young stars in Upper Sco to those in Rho Ophiuchi derived in exactly the same manner are also compared. New observations seem to support the theory that Upper Scorpius triggered star formation in Rho Ophiuchi.
John Keller is a senior at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. He had spent 14 years in the private sector working construction and in the shipping/logistics industry as a supervisor. After the elimination of his department during a merger, he decided to leave corporate life to pursue a degree. Astronomy and physics was a subject he had always maintained an interest in and enjoyed. In addition to a student, he is a stay at home dad and manages a rental property. He is a St. Louis native and lives in Shrewsbury, MO with his wife of ten years and two year old son.
|
