In general stars are classified as low-mass stars and high-mass stars. Low mass stars are those with masses smaller then about 5 Solar masses and high mass those with masses larger than 8 Solar masses. These appear in the lower-right and upper-left quadrants, respectively, in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. The physical process for formation of stars presented by the standard model of star formation for low-mass stars does not appear to apply in the formation of high-mass stars. What is known as the disc-jet model that very successfully describes and satisfies present observations concerning low-mass star forming regions does not do the same job for the high-mass case.

The main goal of this research project is to search for the disc-jet scenario in high-mass star forming regions. This geometry can be studied with very high angular observations in the radio regime of the Electromagnetic spectrum.Specifically, by studying MASER emission. MASER emission in generally similar to LASER emission except that instead of optical emission is microwave radiation.

Skills and Experience Required

Some computational and perhaps programming skills.

Contact Details

If you have questions or are interested in pursuing this research project, contact Victor Migenes for more information.