Astronomy on Tap-Louisville, Nov. 2, 2022

Masers: the signature of molecules emitting coherent light in distant galaxies

Benne Holwerda, U. Louisville

In 2021, we found in the LADUMA (Looking At the Distant Universe with the MeerKAT Array) survey the telltale signature of hydroxyl (a molecule with one oxygen and one hydrogen atom) emitting coherent radio light. The process is known as “masing”, similar to how a laser works but occurring naturally and in the radio. Come hear details andplans for follow-up observations from Benne Holwerda. We will meet atat Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave, Louisville KY 40217 at 7pm in the Upper Room.