Monash Science Centre 2009 Lecture Series

Dr. Daniel Price

Position: Monash Fellow

Department: School of Mathematical Sciences

Areas of research: Astrophysics, the formation of stars

Title of presentation: How Galaxies Make Stars

Brief summary of presentation: I will give an overview of how galaxies like our own Milky Way give birth to new stars. We will briefly survey astronomical observations of places in the Galaxy where new stars are being formed. We will then look at how we can understand the physics of star formation, where I will highlight the role of gravity, turbulent gas and magnetic fields as controlling mechanisms in star birth. We will use these to get a brief snapshot of the main theories of how star formation takes place in the universe. I will also present aspects of my own work involving computer models of star formation and how these can be used to constrain star formation theory.

Length: 1hr

Requirements: data projector, around 5-10 strands of rope extending the length of the classroom/lecture theatre seating area

Target year level: 10-12

Minimum and maximum audience size: none

Availability: Dates to be negotiated upon booking