Online NBIA Colloquium by Darach Watson (DAWN) on ZOOM

Speaker: Darach Watson (DAWN) 

Title: The cosmic origin of the rapid neutron capture elements

Abstract: The processes that create the elements that make up the periodic table were laid down theoretically in the late 1950s, but the cosmic forges that actually carry out these processes have been more difficult to identify. The rapid (r) neutron capture process creates half of all the elements heavier than iron and the bulk of the heaviest elements, including almost all gold, platinum, and uranium. Its site is currently a major source of debate. I present recently uncovered direct spectroscopic evidence for the creation of r-process elements in the merger of two neutron stars, proving that such mergers do create large quantities of heavy elements and that neutron stars are composed of neutron-rich matter, a fact not spectroscopically demonstrated until now. However, the element we find is a light r-process element, not a heavy one, and other lines of evidence suggest there may be a second source of r-process elements in the Universe.

To participate on Friday, click on: 

https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/s/61727079110?pwd=TUdGUDU2TUpPRGtua283MDNsT2pXUT09 

If you should be asked for a password, please insert the following: 

TUdGUDU2TUpPRGtua283MDNsT2pXUT09

The colloquium will be moderated by me and we strongly encourage you to participate actively by asking questions during the talk. I will briefly explain how this can be done just before the colloquium starts.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday! 

Best,
Poul Henrik Damgaard