Star Formation at the Center for Astrophysics

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Projects

• AstroAI:

  • Focuses on using AI for advancing astrophysics research.
  • Aims to enable next-generation research at CfA.

• GMACS:

  • Optical spectrograph for the Giant Magellan Telescope.
  • Used for research in star and planet formation, and cosmology.

• COMPLETE Survey:

  • Studies star formation from cold gas and dust clouds.
  • Uses data from multiple observatories across various light spectrums.
  • Collaborative effort involving CfA and international universities.

• Gould's Belt Survey:

  • Focuses on a series of star-forming regions in the Milky Way.
  • Used Spitzer, Herschel, and James Clerk Maxwell telescopes.
  • Provides ongoing insights into star formation.

• Cygnus-X Spitzer Legacy Survey:

  • Investigates giant star formation and their influence on smaller stars.
  • Utilized Spitzer Infrared Space Telescope for data collection.

• ANCHORS Database:

  • Documents over 10,000 X-ray sources in star-forming regions.
  • Data collected using Chandra X-ray Observatory.
  • Managed by CfA for easy data access.

Telescopes and Instruments

• 1.2-Meter Telescope:

  • General-purpose telescope at Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory.
  • Observes solar system objects, galaxies, and potential exoplanet systems.

• 1.5-Meter Tillinghast Telescope:

  • Located at Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory.
  • Measures light spectrum from various celestial objects.

• Chandra X-ray Observatory:

  • NASA's flagship X-ray observatory managed by CfA.
  • Provides data on newborn stars and galaxy clusters.

• Einstein Observatory:

  • First X-ray space telescope, operational from 1978-1981.
  • Paved way for Chandra X-ray Observatory.

• LEDA:

  • Observatory aimed at finding signs of earliest stars and black holes.
  • Consists of 512 radio antennas in California and New Mexico.

• SOFIA:

  • Infrared observatory aboard a modified aircraft.
  • Studies star birth, planetary nebulas, and more.

• Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory (STO):

  • Infrared telescope flown over Antarctica.
  • Observes evolution of molecular clouds.

• Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS):

  • Space observatory for detecting water and molecules related to life.
  • Operated from 1998-2005.

• 1.2 Meter Millimeter-Wave Telescope:

  • Maps molecular clouds in the Milky Way.
  • Revealed previously unknown spiral arms in the galaxy.

• Submillimeter Array:

  • Located in Maunakea, Hawaii.
  • Studies planetary systems, star births, and supermassive black holes.