Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 17-Oct-2018
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Dr. Mark Voit (Michigan State University)
Title: “Waterfalls or Rain: How does gas get into galaxies?”
Galaxies are commonly thought to acquire much of the gas that fuels star formation through streams of cold gas that flow along filaments of larger-scale structure: waterfalls. However, the universe's largest galaxies appear to have a different gas supply: precipitation of cold clouds out of hot circumgalactic gas via radiative cooling and condensation. I will present both observational and theoretical support for the precipitation model in large galaxies and show how it may apply to galaxies of all masses. One of the attractive features of the precipitation model is that it makes observationally testable predictions about the state of the circumgalactic medium, if most star-forming galaxies are indeed in a precipitating state.
Colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students.
Colloquium Organizer:
Prof. Richard Mushotzky
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
