Date: Monday 14-March-2022
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: ATL 1250
Speaker: Garrett Levine (Yale)
Title: Connecting Interstellar Small Bodies to Planet Formation
Abstract: The identification of the first two interstellar small bodies, 1I/`Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, has opened a new avenue through which to contextualize our Solar System in the galactic census. While `Oumuamua's combination of properties sets it outside of the current taxonomy, Borisov was definitively comet-like. Taking `Oumumua and Borisov to be representative of two underlying populations of interstellar objects, both objects can inform our knowledge of planet formation. In this presentation, I'll discuss the viability of the various compositions that have been hypothesized to reconcile `Oumuamua's lightcurve, non-Keplerian trajectory, and the inference that similar interstellar objects must be common in the galaxy. I'll focus on two proposed exotic molecular ices, hydrogen and nitrogen, as well as CO ice. Next, I'll consider Borisov's high C/O ratio and its possible implications for small body formation around other stars. I'll conclude by discussing the future prospects for detecting and characterizing interstellar small bodies with the Vera Rubin Observatory/LSST and focused follow-up campaigns.
For further information contact PALS coordinator Quanzhi Ye at qye@umd.edu.
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.
