Galactic Atmospheres & Galactic Rain

Looking at spiral galaxies like our own, the spiral disk of gas and stars hogs our focus. The big spherical halo of gas that engulfs such systems is the underappreciated galactic atmosphere. It contains the key to understanding how galaxies form and evolve! Join UCSB Physics graduate student Ish Kaul on a journey navigating how researchers study galactic atmospheres. We’ll unravel the connections between galactic precipitation (“rainfall”) and star formation, and even investigate the solar atmosphere for some surprising insights.

Kaul works on a range of topics in computational astrophysics including galaxy formation, black hole accretion disks, and solar physics. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where he worked on galaxy simulations and plasma physics. When not solving the mysteries of interstellar gases, he can be found experimenting with the physiology of percussion or playing squash.

No tickets or reservations required.

This event is part of a monthly series of free astronomy talks presented by Santa Barbara’s astronomy club, the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU). Look for more talks and free Star Parties with the SBAU on the Museum’s astronomy calendar.

Questions? Contact Astronomy Programs Manager Ila Jade Komasa at aWphZGVrb21hc2EgfCBzYm5hdHVyZTIgISBvcmc= or 805-682-4711 ext. 164.

M81 galaxy image from W. J. G. de Blok et al. 2018., The Astrophysical Journal 865 26

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