2015 Speakers
Dr. Dieter Hartmann, Clemson University
Gamma Ray Bursts: Relativistic Laboratories and Cosmic Probes
- Time Domain Astronomy in Action -
Discovered in 1967, Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) still present many unsolved riddles. They are now recognized as a mix of at least two distinct source classes, manifesting as short/long-duration bursts (transition around T ~ 2 s). Their underlying astrophysical sources are believed to be associated with merging compact binary star systems and a sub-class of massive star supernovae, respectively. Both event classes result in jetted outflows that exhibit relativistic speeds, and their afterglows (X-ray to radio) allow us to test relativistic jet physics. The merger of two compact stars is also accompanied by the emission of gravitational waves. Thus, astronomers eagerly look forward to a joint electromagnetic - gravity wave discovery, where the GRB becomes a crucial tool for the understanding of strong field gravity. On the other hand, the long duration GRBs trace star formation with only a few million years of delay, so we can use them to probe the cosmic star formation history. Furthermore, spectroscopy of their optical afterglows allows us to measure the evolution of chemical abundances over cosmic times, all the way back to the first generation of star, and to probe the cosmic epoch of reionization. GRBs are amazing explosions, but they are also powerful probes, and their bright afterglows allow professional and amateur astronomers to study them - as long as they have the quick localization and response capabilities needed to catch these rapidly fading transient. GRBs are a prime example of Time Domain Astronomy.
Dr. Jim Gaiser
The Magnetic Sun
We will explore the Sun and its powerful magnetic fields, how these fields generate the features we observe, and how the Sun's magnetic activity affects our way of life and technologies here on Earth.
About Dr. Jim Gaiser
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1976 and followed that with a Masters and PhD in Atomic physics from Auburn in 1981. After a stint as an Assistant Professor at East Carolina University in the 80’s, he transitioned into Medical Physics. He is currently the Southeast Vice-President for Landauer Medical Physics.
His lifelong interest in Astronomy began when he looked up to see Echo I in 1961. His first telescope (and his current telescope) is a 75mm, f15 Unitron refractor. His astronomical interests include asteroid occultations and astrophotography using webcams.
Dr. Dieter Hartmann, Clemson University
Gamma Ray Bursts: Relativistic Laboratories and Cosmic Probes
- Time Domain Astronomy in Action -
Discovered in 1967, Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) still present many unsolved riddles. They are now recognized as a mix of at least two distinct source classes, manifesting as short/long-duration bursts (transition around T ~ 2 s). Their underlying astrophysical sources are believed to be associated with merging compact binary star systems and a sub-class of massive star supernovae, respectively. Both event classes result in jetted outflows that exhibit relativistic speeds, and their afterglows (X-ray to radio) allow us to test relativistic jet physics. The merger of two compact stars is also accompanied by the emission of gravitational waves. Thus, astronomers eagerly look forward to a joint electromagnetic - gravity wave discovery, where the GRB becomes a crucial tool for the understanding of strong field gravity. On the other hand, the long duration GRBs trace star formation with only a few million years of delay, so we can use them to probe the cosmic star formation history. Furthermore, spectroscopy of their optical afterglows allows us to measure the evolution of chemical abundances over cosmic times, all the way back to the first generation of star, and to probe the cosmic epoch of reionization. GRBs are amazing explosions, but they are also powerful probes, and their bright afterglows allow professional and amateur astronomers to study them - as long as they have the quick localization and response capabilities needed to catch these rapidly fading transient. GRBs are a prime example of Time Domain Astronomy.
Dr. Jim Gaiser
The Magnetic Sun
We will explore the Sun and its powerful magnetic fields, how these fields generate the features we observe, and how the Sun's magnetic activity affects our way of life and technologies here on Earth.
About Dr. Jim Gaiser
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1976 and followed that with a Masters and PhD in Atomic physics from Auburn in 1981. After a stint as an Assistant Professor at East Carolina University in the 80’s, he transitioned into Medical Physics. He is currently the Southeast Vice-President for Landauer Medical Physics.
His lifelong interest in Astronomy began when he looked up to see Echo I in 1961. His first telescope (and his current telescope) is a 75mm, f15 Unitron refractor. His astronomical interests include asteroid occultations and astrophotography using webcams.
Michael Rehnberg, Cleveland County Astronomical Society
Astronomy and Clouds
Michael has been an active member of the CCAS club for several years and has career aspirations in Meteorology. He currently attends school in the Shelby, NC area as a Junior and is 17 years old. Michael has learned much about astronomy and astrophotography in a very short period of time and has been super active in both our club events as well as our public outreach events.
Michael will provide a brief overview of the reasons why clouds form when they do, and do what they do. It'll be based around a few core questions from astronomy, like the difference between a muggy night and an overcast night and the difference between a perfectly clear, stable night and a night with lots of atmospheric turbulence.
