2007-2008 Colloquium Series

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NAU Physical Sciences (Bldg 19, Rm 321), Thursday, February 28, 2008, 3:00 PM
(Refreshments afterward at 4:00pm)

Young Massive Clusters: Building Blocks of Galaxies

Nate McCrady
UCLA
Dept. of Astronomy

Abstract

Most stars form in clusters or associations, ranging in number from a few stars up to a million. Clusters may be the dominant form of star formation in regions of extreme physical conditions, including mergers and starburst galaxies. Young massive clusters, with large numbers of energetic massive OB stars, pollute their galactic environment though mass loss and supernova explosions. Over time, these young clusters tend to be destroyed by various internal and external processes. The dissolution of star clusters appears to give rise to the distinct stellar populations of galaxies. In order to study the structure of extragalactic clusters, I am using laser guide star adaptive optics (AO) observations to provide unprecedented angular resolution. AO images in the near-IR penetrate the pervasive dust of starbursting regions and may catch young clusters in the act of shedding stars into the field.

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Local Host: Dave Cornelison, (928) 523-7641.