Astronomy Colloquium for 2019-10-02


Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 02-Oct-2019
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Dr. Kate Alexander (Northwestern University)
Title: Cosmic Extremes: Probing Energetic Transients with Radio Observations

Time-domain astrophysics provides a unique opportunity to study the most extreme physical processes in the Universe, including the deaths of massive stars, the destruction and creation of compact objects like neutron stars and black holes, and the tidal disruption of stars by supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Some transient events, in particular gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and tidal disruption events (TDEs), launch relativistic jets and outflows that can be explored with radio observations. In these high-energy laboratories, the longer timescale of radio emission allows for extensive followup and characterization of the event energies and the densities of surrounding material, probing models of SMBH growth and accretion (TDEs) and stellar evolution models (GRBs). I will present high-cadence broadband radio and millimeter studies of GRB afterglows and TDEs undertaken with the goal of learning more about their physical properties, the physics underlying the formation and growth of relativistic jets and outflows, and the environments in which these events occur. The insights derived from these studies will be invaluable for designing and interpreting the results from future radio transient surveys.


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. Anyone asking a question during a talk is asked to raise their hand and be acknowledged before speaking.

Colloquium Organizer: Prof. Richard Mushotzy

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

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.

DIRECTIONS, PARKING, AND OTHER INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

Directions and information about parking can be found here.

This page was automatically generated on: 13-Sep-2019.