Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences Colloquium

Abstract: The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) began its science phase on May 23, 2021, and has been making major contributions to the exploration of Mars' atmosphere on a global scale. From its weather-satellite-like orbit with a period of 55 hours, the Hope Probe uses its infrared, visible, and ultraviolet remote sensing instruments to measure the characteristics of the atmosphere extending from the surface all the way to the edge of space.

Abstract: Galaxy centers are extremal environments that frequently host supermassive black holes and uniquely dense and massive star clusters.  In my talk I will focus on our understanding of these objects and their formation through the lens of our nearest galaxy nucleus, the star cluster Omega Centauri.

Abstract: The past 20 years have seen significant advancements in the teaching and learning in college-level Astronomy, with a particular focus on the introductory general education course (hereafter Astro 101).  In recent years collaborators with the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) have undertaken a theoretical approach to develop a new generation of instructional strategies.  Beyond advancements in the teaching of Astro 101, this work has bridged to the teaching of Astronomy Majors courses.

Abstract:  Underpinning planetary science is a deep history of observation and, more recently, robotic exploration within the Solar System, from which models of planetary processes have been constructed. Concurrently, thousands of planets have been discovered outside our Solar System that exhibit enormous diversity, and their large numbers provide a statistical opportunity to place our Solar System within the broader context of planetary structure, atmospheres, architectures, formation, and evolution.

Abstract: The 2000-antenna Deep Synoptic Array (DSA-2000) will be a world- leading radio survey telescope and multi-messenger discovery engine operating in the 0.7-2 GHz band, with key surveys planned for 2028- 2033. The survey speed of the DSA-2000 will be unmatched among current or planned radio telescopes.

Abstract: Galaxies are intimately connected to the environments they live in. The haloes around them contain the gas reservoir from which the galaxies grow, while galactic outflows heat and enrich this circumgalactic medium (CGM). The elemental abundances of present-day stars are, in part, set by these cosmic gas flows. Using zoom-in cosmological simulations of galaxies, I will discuss the physical and observable properties of gas and stars in and around galaxies.

Abstract: Black hole X-ray binaries and Active Galactic Nuclei transition through a series of accretion states in a well-defined order. During a state transition, the accretion flow changes from a hot geometrically thick accretion flow, emitting a power-law–like hard spectrum to a geometrically thin, cool accretion flow, producing black-body–like soft spectrum.

Abstract: Ancient remnants from the early universe surround our galaxy, which you may know as globular clusters. Although now on their old age, understanding how these clusters were formed has the potential to provide insight into the physical conditions that prevailed during an epoch that cannot be directly observed. We now know that globular clusters can form during extreme episodes of star formation in the relatively nearby universe, but the actual physical conditions that give rise to globular clusters have vexed both observers and theorists for decades.

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