The diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) probably arise from complex organic molecules whose strength in local galaxies correlates with neutral hydrogen column density, N(H I), and dust reddening, E(B−V). Because Damped Lyman-α systems are known to have high N(H I), and Ca II absorbers in quasar (QSO) spectra are posited to have high N(H I) and reddening, both represent promising sites for the detection of DIBs at cosmological distances. I present the results of a search for diffuse bands in seven DLAs and nine Ca II absorbers. I announce the detection of the first narrow DIBs at z>0 towards one DLA and one Ca II system. I further investigate the relative strengths of the DIBs as well as their correlations with N(H I) and E(B−V). Finally, I discuss the prospects for using DIBs to better understand the properties of quasar absorption systems, and for using DIB searches in absorption systems to better understand the properties of DIBs.

The diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) probably arise from complex organic molecules whose strength in local galaxies correlates with neutral hydrogen column density, N(H I), and dust reddening, E(B−V). Because Damped Lyman-α systems are known to have high N(H I), and Ca II absorbers in quasar (QSO) spectra are posited to have high N(H I) and reddening, both represent promising sites for the detection of DIBs at cosmological distances. I present the results of a search for diffuse bands in seven DLAs and nine Ca II absorbers. I announce the detection of the first narrow DIBs at z>0 towards one DLA and one Ca II system. I further investigate the relative strengths of the DIBs as well as their correlations with N(H I) and E(B−V). Finally, I discuss the prospects for using DIBs to better understand the properties of quasar absorption systems, and for using DIB searches in absorption systems to better understand the properties of DIBs.

New radio telescopes under development, will significantly enhance the capabilities of radio astronomy in the Southern Hemisphere. South Africa, in particular, is actively involved in the development of a new array (MeerKAT) as well as in the expansion of existing very long baseline interferometer arrays in the south. Participation in these new developments demands a thorough understanding of radio astronomy techniques, and data analysis, and this thesis focusses on two projects with the aim of gaining such experience. The Southern Hemisphere very long baselines array is not well served with calibrator sources and there are significant gaps in the present calibrator distribution on the sky. An adequately dense, well distributed, set of strong, compact calibrator or reference sources is needed. With this in mind, observations using the Southern Hemisphere long baseline array were conducted to investigate a sample of candidate calibrator sources. The compactness of the sources was investigated and new potential calibrators have been identified. Single antenna radio spectroscopy of OH masers has identified sources of 1720 MHz emission associated with supernova remnants at the shock interface between the expanding supernova remnant and a molecular cloud. Models indicate that these masers are shock excited and can only be produced under tight physical constraints. Out ows from newly-formed stars create nebulous regions known as Herbig-Haro objects when they interact with the surrounding medium, and these regions are potentially similar to those seen in supernova remnants. If conditions behind the shock fronts of Herbig-Haro objects are able to support 1720-MHz OH masers they could be a useful diagnostic tool for star formation. A survey toward Herbig-Haro objects using a single-dish radio telescope did detect 1720-MHz OH lines in emission, but neither their spectral signature nor follow-up observations with the Very Large Array showed evidence of maser emission. / Mathematical Sciences / Ph.D. (Astronomy)