Bergner Astrochemistry Group

Our group aims to understand the volatile chemistry at play during star and planet formation, and how this shapes the compositions, properties, and potential habitability of newly formed planetary systems. We are interested in connections to the origins of our own solar system and to the diverse outcomes of planet formation around other stars. We use a variety of techniques to tackle questions at the interface of chemistry, astronomy, and planetary science.

We use telescopes like ALMA and JWST to observe the spectral fingerprints of volatile molecules in protostars and protoplanetary disks, providing a view of the chemical landscape of planet formation and the physical processes which drive astrochemical evolution.

With cryogenic vacuum experiments we mimic the extremely low temperatures and pressures of star-forming regions in the lab, enabling us to test the chemical and microphysical behavior of volatile molecules in these exotic conditions.

We develop simulations to understand how the volatile chemistry is influenced by the dynamic redistribution of material within planet-forming disks.

The Bergner Astrochemistry Group