The Physics & Astronomy Colloquium Series presents Zach Meisel, of Ohio University, on “The Undead: Nuclear Physics in the Death and Afterlife of Massive Stars”, on Friday, Oct. 11, at 4:10 p.m. in Clippinger Labs 194.
Dr. Zachary Meisel: photo by Daniel Owen/Ohio University
Abstract: When matter is added to one of the densest possible objects in the universe, does that object expand or contract in size? Where were the elements from zinc to tin made? We know that the answers to these seemingly simple questions revolve around the fate of dead and dying stars, yet they have remained elusive for over a century of nuclear astrophysics research. Recent opportunities, including the dawn of multi-messenger astronomy and the upcoming Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, place us at a unique time to provide solutions.
I will discuss recent work and ongoing efforts in nuclear astrophysics, focusing on new techniques that will improve constraints on the properties of ultradense matter and the origin of the heavy elements. I will also discuss the interplay between nuclear physics and models of astrophysical phenomena, showing how new approaches to modeling can be used to prioritize experimental efforts.
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