New Astrophysics Research Opportunities at BYU

MASER emission with astrophysical origin was proposed in the early 1960s. Since the discovery, a few years later, maser physics and high- spatial resolution research have become a major tool for studying the kinematical and dynamical conditions in a number of important astrophysical settings, like: star formation, late-type stars, supernovae remnants and other galaxies. Improvements in technology and interferometric techniques in radio astronomy have allowed the most detailed study of maser sources so far. MASER emission properties like high specific intensity, compact size, polarization and variability, among others, have been invaluable in helping us understand the conditions and physical processes in these regions. We discuss the status of present research and the new research opportunities at BYU.