Astrophysical Plasma Spectroscopy

A plasma is an ionized gas consisting of ions (atoms with some of their electrons removed) and free electrons. Hot plasmas are found throughout the universe: in the magnetic field structures above the surface of stars like the Sun, in the media between stars and galaxies, and in the surroundings of an exploded star known as a supernova remnant. Highly ionized gas is also found in the environments surrounding black holes. Scientists at the CfA are developing and exploiting techniques in astrophysical plasma spectroscopy to study the physical conditions in a variety of astrophysical plasmas.