Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences Colloquium
Environment Near the Sun in the Era of Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, and DKIST: Advances, Challenges, and Prospects
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Abstract:
Human curiosity and interest in the near-Sun environment date back millennia, as shown by numerous historical records. The confluence of these motives results from our existence and life depending upon the Sun. Life on Earth (and maybe elsewhere in the solar system and on other habitable stellar worlds) might never have kicked off if not for solar magnetic activity in conjunction with the Sun’s light and heat.
First results from measuring the polarization of X-rays from stellar mass black holes in X-ray binaries
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Abstract:
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission was launched on December 9, 2021 and has been used for measuring the linear polarization of X-rays from cosmic sources. I report here on IXPE observations of the High Mass X-Ray Binary Cygnus X-1.
Saturn’s Rings: Implications for Structure, Dynamics and Origins
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"The planned speaker for 17 October was to be Néstor Espinoza (STScI), but unfortunately it has been necessary to defer his colloquium to later in the semester, 28 November. We are grateful to Larry Esposito for volunteering to fill the 17 Oct slot at short notice."
Abstract:
Parker Solar Probe Venus Fly by Campaign
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Abstract:
In order for NASA’s Flagship Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission to study the solar corona, it will fly closer to the sun than any spacecraft ever has by performing seven gravity assists at Venus. These gravity assists provide a rare opportunity to study the Venusian atmosphere, and specifically the interaction with the solar wind, using the instrumentation aboard PSP.
Solar Magnetic Fields Before and During Eruptions
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Abstract: Space weather is largely caused by the activity of our Sun. Invisible yet powerful magnetic fields, created within the Sun, determine when and where the next solar eruption will happen. In this talk, I will discuss how advances in solar observations and data-driven models allowed scientists to understand flare magnetism in a lot more detail than ever before.
Megaconstellations of satellites are ruining the night sky for everyone
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Abstract: Several companies are now launching megaconstellations of thousands of communication satellites (satcons), which would increase the number of active satellites in Low Earth Orbit at least twenty-fold in the next few years. SpaceX's Starlink satcon is currently largest (over 3,100 satellites) and is adding 60 new satellites every couple of weeks. While these satcons do allow internet access in many underserved rural and remote locations, the costs are prohibitively high for all but the most well-off customers.
Dispatches from the Sun: Physics of our Nearest Star Determined by the Parker Solar Probe Mission
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Abstract:
The Parker Solar Probe spacecraft has traveled closer to the Sun than any other human-made object. It has measured in-situ magnetic fields, electric fields, thermal plasma, high energy particles, and interplanetary dust in the near-Sun solar wind. Most recently, it made the first in-situ measurements of the solar corona, dipping below the Alfven surface.