Department of Physics and
Astronomy
110 N. Professor St.
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH 44074
Email: chris.martin@oberlin.edu
Phone: (440) 775-6730
Fax: (440) 775-6379
Office: Wright 212
Laboratory: Wright 014
B.A. in Physics, Chemical Physics, and Mathematics (1994), Rice University
M.A. in Physics (1997),
Ph.D. in Physics (1999), University of California, Santa
Barbara
Our group was recently awarded time on ESA's Herschel Observatory to observe the inflow of matter in the Milky Way. HIGGS: The Herschel Inner Galaxy Gas Survey, will study key regions near the center of the galaxy in order to understand its energetics. As one of Herschel's key projects, this research project helps define the scientific goals of this exciting telescope.
Using the AST/RO telescope located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (where I wintered-over twice in 2001 and 2003), I learn about how new stars form and the dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy. Recently, our group has received funding to build a Long Duration Balloon (LDB) telescope known as STO: The Stratospheric TerhHertz Observatory. STO will float above the Antarctic cost for 2 weeks while observing star forming regions in frequencies of light not accessible from the ground.
Using remote sensing techniques from the ground, I can learn about the chemistry and dynamics of the Earth's mesosphere and thermosphere. I have been awarded an NSF grant to further develop these techniques.