Rich Rand, Associate Professor
Research Interests:
My research goal is to bring us closer
to an understanding of the
structure and evolution of galaxies, one of the outstanding problems
in astronomy. Galaxies evolve through the formation and death of
stars, and I study both these processes through their connection
with the interstellar gas. Stars affect the gas mainly through
radiation and mechanical energy in the form of winds and supernovae.
These can have dramatic effects on the distribution and kinematics of
interstellar gas, often creating thick gas layers or even gas halos
around the star-forming disks. One phase of the interstellar gas that
is closely tied to these energetic processes is the so-called diffuse
ionized gas. I study this gas in edge-on spiral galaxies, where it is
easy to study the global distribution and kinematics of the gas and its
vertical structure. I also study in more face-on spirals how various
gas phases react to spiral density waves, and the consequences for star
formation. The compression in a spiral density wave can alter the
physical state of the gas, particularly the star-forming molecular
component, and in some cases apparently triggers the formation of new
stars.
Other Interests:
I am also involved in the development of new planetarium shows and
exhibits at the LodeStar Astronomy Center in Albuquerque.