Oct.17 Prof. Nami Sakai: Chemical History of Young Sun-like Stars: Why are we here? | 1001 Space Nights
Planet formation is a natural consequence of the star formation process, and there is an incredible variety of planetary systems, which are significantly different from the Solar System. Recent ALMA observations have revealed chemistry in planet-forming regions, protoplanetary disks. Various complex organic molecules are found in the disk forming regions, and their abundances vary significantly among objects. This indicates that the Solar System may not have been common in terms of its initial chemistry, which invokes the discussion on the rarity of our existence. To tackle this question, multi-faceted approaches are required. I will introduce such efforts along with observational/experimental results.
About the Speaker
I am an astrochemist studying chemical evolution along star and planet formation. I obtained my PhD in 2008 at Department of Physics, the University of Tokyo, with a special exception for early completion of the thesis. Just after that I became an assistant professor at the same institute. In 2015, I moved to RIKEN as an associate chief scientist to make my group to study astrochemistry along star and planet formation. From 2017, I am in the current position. I am a member of various science advisory committees/councils such as the ASAC(ALMA), the ngVLA-SAC, and the NAOJ science council. I am also an affiliate member of the Science Council of Japan. Apart from the works, I am a mother of two active boys (6 and 9 years old).
