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Thomas H. TrolandAstrophysicsOffice: CP-283 Phone: 859 257-8620 
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Thomas H. TrolandAstrophysicsOffice: CP-283 Phone: 859 257-8620
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Research Interests
Most of the visible matter in the universe is in the form of stars. Therefore,
star formation is one of the most important processes in the universe,
a process that continues into the present epoch. The basic nature of star
formation, gravitational collapse of interstellar clouds, has been
understood for at least a century. More recently, astronomers have
realized that weak interstellar magnetic fields can strongly influence
these events. My research makes use of radio astronomy techniques
to measure interstellar magnetic field strengths. I use the radio
frequency Zeeman effect to measure field strenghts in regions of the
galaxy where star formation actively occurs. I observe with a
variety of radio telescope facilities, including the Very Large Array,
the Arecibo Telescope and the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope.
Results to date confirm that magnetic fields are strong enough to
significantly influence events in star-forming regions. Future research
will attempt to better define these influences and provide closer
connections with theoretical models.
Education
Graduate Students
Selected Recent Publications
Last updated on October 11, 1999