Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences Colloquium

APS Colloquia will resume in Spring Semester 2025.

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.