Student Highlights: Jasmin Peitz
— MEET JASMIN —
Class: Sophomore
Major: Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics
Jasmin Peitz is currently a sophomore at the University of Wyoming, double-majoring in both astronomy & astrophysics and physics. Originally from Yankton, South Dakota, Jasmin grew up surrounded by dark skies full of stars, sparking her curiosity about what was above from a very early age. She became determined to make this her career in the sixth grade, thanks to the encouragement of her science teacher. Outside of her love of space, Jasmin enjoys performing in theater, baking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
— JASMIN’S RESEARCH —
Jasmin’s undergraduate research focuses on identifying and cataloging radio sources in the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) to further our understanding of the galaxy’s star formation and supernovae abundance. M51 is a face-on grand-design spiral galaxy located 31 million light-years away. It is interacting with a smaller companion galaxy, whose gravitational pull tugs on the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy. These spiral arms act as “star factories,” compressing hydrogen gas into new stars.
An early trial of identifying compact radio sources in M51. The red dots are each mark identifications.
Using high-resolution radio imaging from the Very Large Array, combined with data from the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, Jasmin examines M51 across the electromagnetic spectrum — from X-rays to radio waves. Each wavelength reveals different physical processes, allowing her to determine whether the observed radio emission originates from dust-enshrouded star formation, bright star clusters, supernova shocks, or other energetic sources. By clarifying the sources of these emissions, this research will advance our understanding of the energetic processes occurring in nearby galaxies, such as M51.
ABOUT STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Every year, we award fellowships to graduate and undergraduate students attending the University of Wyoming or Wyoming’s community colleges in order to provide them with funding to engage in real-world research opportunities. Occasionally, we feature one of these students and their research on this blog. For more information about our student fellowships, visit our College Programs page.