Collaborative Research: Transformative studies of cometary volatiles in the era of modern near-infrared spectrographs

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $226,954 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Comets are remnants from the early solar system that retain the volatiles (ices) from the cold regions where they formed. Their nuclei were among the first objects to accrete in the early solar nebula, and they likely formed at diverse distances from the young Sun. The primary science objective of this project is to better disentangle the natal (cosmogonic) heritage in cometary volatiles from signatures of possible post-formative processing. The project will use high-resolution, near-infrared spectroscopic observations of comets to advance understanding of the compositional measurements of volatiles released from their nuclei and connect comets to natal conditions in the early solar system. The project integrates the research into professional development of STEM teachers following the Next Generation Science Standards, in mentoring undergraduate students, and in supporting a graduate student to build a peer mentorship network between STEM departments. A sequence of very favorable upcoming cometary apparitions presents a timely opportunity for potentially transformative studies of comets as unique volatile-rich remnants from the early solar system. The project will use IR spectroscopy of sufficiently high spectral resolution (~20,000 or higher) to measure distinct rotational-vibrational emissions from parent molecules released into the comae of comets. Measuring the strengths of and applying fluorescence modeling to these emissions enables the determination of the product

Key facts

NSF award ID
2511626
Awardee
University of Missouri-Saint Louis (MO)
SAM.gov UEI
GWCTP4CQ1E65
PI
Erika L Gibb
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
Estimated total
$226,954
Funds obligated
$226,954
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029