Sun Kwok

Sun Kwok（Chinese:郭新) is a Hong Kong astronomer specialized in the study of planetary nebula. 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 a Dean of Science of University of Hong Kong.

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.

• Chair Professor of Physics and Dean of Science, University of Hong Kong (2006-)
• Faculty Professor, University of Calgary (2005-)
• Distinguished Research Fellow and Director, Institute of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Academia Sinica, Taiwan (2003-2005)
• Professor, University of Calgary (1983-2005)
• Chairman, IAU Working Group on Planetary Nebulae (Division VI) (1994-2001)
• Principal Investigator (Astronomy), Canadian participation in the Odin mission

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.

He has two recent books The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae and Cosmic Butterflies both published by Cambridge University Press. His book Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium will be published by University Science Books in 2006.