TAPIR Seminar

Assessing the Role of Stellar Feedback from Small to Large Scales

Laura Lopez, Pappalardo Fellow in Physics and NASA Einstein Fellow, Kavli Institute for Astrophysics & Space Research, MIT,

Stellar feedback has a profound influence in many astrophysical phenomena, yet it is often cited as one of the biggest uncertainties in galaxy formation models today. This uncertainty stems from a dearth of observational constraints as well as the great dynamic range between the small scales (<1 pc) where feedback occurs and the large scales (>1 kpc) of galaxies that are shaped by this feedback. In this talk, I will show how multiwavelength observations can be used to overcome these challenges and to assess the role of many stellar feedback mechanisms (e.g., radiation, photoionization, stellar winds, supernovae, protostellar outflows, and cosmic rays). I will present results from the application of this approach to a variety of sources and discuss the implications regarding the dynamics of star-forming regions. Finally, I will highlight the exciting prospects of using current and upcoming facilities to explore feedback in the diverse conditions of Local Group galaxies and to probe the effect of feedback on molecular gas properties.

PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE -- HAMEETMAN AUDITORIUM

Event Sponsors:

Theoretical AstroPhysics Including Relativity and Cosmology (TAPIR) - More events from this Sponsor

For more information, please contact JoAnn Boyd by phone at 4280 or by email at [email protected].