The elements of the periodic table come in different forms called isotopes. Different isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The distribution of isotopes of a single element can be measured in stars using high-precision spectroscopy. This project involves measuring the amounts of different barium (element #56) isotopes in stars. The isotopic distribution of barium helps us figure out where the star got its barium.
Mentor: Evan Kirby, Postdoctoral Scholar (UC Irvine)
Secondary Mentor: Prof. Raja GuhaThakurta