"Heisenberg in the Small Magellanic Cloud"
MPE Seminar
- Datum: 23.07.2026
- Uhrzeit: 11:00 - 12:00
- Vortragende(r): Amiel Sternberg (Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation/Tel Aviv University)
- Ort: MPE
- Raum: New Seminar Room X5/1.1.18b
- Gastgeber: Andi Burkert
- Kontakt: burkert@usm.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
I will describe recent JWST spectroscopy of molecular hydrogen (H2) in the low metallicity N13 star-forming region in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). An abundance of near- to mid-infrared rotational-vibrational emission lines are observed. I will discuss the fundamental quantum mechanics and spectroscopic properties required for proper interpretation, with an emphasis on Heisenberg's ortho and para forms. The JWST observations provide unprecedented and beautiful confirmation of basic astrophysical theory for interstellar photodissociation regions.