Name Sun Kwok | Role Astronomer | |
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Books Physics and Chemistr, Organic Matter in the Unive, Stardust: The Cosmic S, Cosmic Butterflies: The Color, The Origin and Evolution | ||
Two hundred years of planetary nebulae research - Dr. Sun Kwok
Sun Kwok (Chinese:郭新) is a Hong Kong astronomer specialized in the study of planetary nebulae. In 1978, he proposed that the exposure of the core and the subsequent initiation of another fast wind, lead to a "snow-plow" effect that creates a planetary nebula. This interacting-winds theory has become the standard model of planetary nebulae formation, and has led to a new understanding of the dynamical evolution of planetary nebulae as well as the origin of their different morphologies. He is currently the Dean of Science of University of Hong Kong.
Contents
- Two hundred years of planetary nebulae research Dr Sun Kwok
- Stardust the cosmic seeds of life Prof Sun Kwok
- Background
- Research
- Education reform
- Selected publications
- References
Stardust: the cosmic seeds of life – Prof. Sun Kwok
Background
Born in Hong Kong, Sun Kwok was graduated from Pui Ching Middle School, the mother school of Daniel Chee Tsui, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics and Shing-Tung Yau, Fields Medal Winner.
Research
Kwok's research is mainly on the interstellar chemistry and stellar evolution. He is widely recognized for his theory on the origin of planetary nebulae, which has transformed our understanding of the death of Sun-like stars. His more recent accomplishments include the discovery of proto-planetary nebulae, the missing link in our understanding of the late stages of stellar evolution, and the discovery of the unidentified emission feature at 21 micrometres which is believed to be an unusual carbonaceous compound . Using space-based infrared telescopes, he has found that organic compounds with aromatic and aliphatic structures can be synthesized rapidly in the late stages of stellar evolution. These star-manufactured compounds are now known to have spread widely throughout the Galaxy, and are believed to have played a role in the chemical enrichment of the early solar system.
His recent books are Stardust: Cosmic Seeds of Life (Springer 2013, selected by Choice Magazine as an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2014), Organic Matter in the Universe (Wiley 2011), Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium (University Science Books 2007), Cosmic Butterflies (Cambridge 2001) and The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae (Cambridge 2000).
Education reform
At the University of Hong Kong, Kwok introduced a number of education reforms, including the major/minor system in 2006, Faculty-wide common admission in 2007, experiential learning in 2007, and science foundation courses in 2012.