Colloquium: David Sand

Testing the Cold Dark Matter Paradigm for Structure Formation from Dwarf Galaxy to Galaxy Cluster Scales                                                                     

                                                Department of Physics and Astronomy

                                                                  UC Santa Barbara

The Cold Dark Matter (CDM) paradigm of structure formation has been extremely successful in explaining the large scale properties of the universe, but struggles on smaller scales where baryonic physics can dominate.  In particular, two 'problems' with the CDM paradigm have been identified: 1) the observed deficit in the number of low mass satellites around the Milky Way and 2) the flat, cored inner dark matter density profiles seen in some galaxy and cluster centers, contrary to the universally 'cuspy' halos seen in simulations.  While these 'problems' are not likely to be the death knell of CDM, they do represent an opportunity to study how baryonic physics effect the distribution of dark matter.

I will discuss two observational programs aimed at better understanding the two 'problems' associated with CDM.  First, I will present measurements of the dark matter density profile in galaxy clusters utilizing a combination of gravitational lensing and galaxy dynamics to measure the mass at different scales.  Additionally, I will present results from our imaging survey to measure the structure and star formation history of the newly discovered ultrafaint Milky Way satellites, a prerequisite for understanding how stars populate the smallest dark matter halos. In both cases, I will lay out immediate and longer term plans for observationally characterizing the relationship between dark matter and baryons. 

Date:
-
Location:
155 Chemistry-Physics Bldg

Theory Seminar: Al Shapere

Time Crystals

We consider the possibility that classical or semi-classical dynamical systems display motion in their lowest energy state, forming a time analogue of crystalline spatial order.

Date:
-
Location:
179 Chem-Phys Bldg

CCS Seminar: Brian O'Shea

The Universe in a Box: Modeling Galaxies and the Cosmic Web

 Brian O’Shea

Department of Physics & Astronomy

 Michigan State University

 

 (Refreshments at 3:00pm)

ABSTRACT:   Galaxies are the building blocks of the universe.  Understanding their formation, evolution, and appearance is important to answering fundamental questions about our origins, the universe we live in, and our future.  Since it is impossible to build a galaxy in the laboratory, we must use computers to model these objects.  However, galaxies are complex systems whose behavior relies on a wide range of physical processes operating over a large range of spatial and temporal scales, which presents challenges to the thoughtful astrophysicist.  In this talk, I will discuss the tools and techniques used to model galaxies, and will also present the results of my research group's recent efforts to understand these fascinating objects.  Results from our group's scientific visualization efforts will be shown as well. 

Date:
-
Location:
327 McVey Hall

Chinese Studies Program Lecture Series: Jean-Luc Houle

Jean-Luc Houle

Empire and Domestic Economy: Continuity and Change in Mongolia’s Bronze and Iron Age Archaeological Landscape      

Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, Western Kentucky University

Feb. 17, 2012

Vandenbosch Room, 420 Patterson Office Tower

1pm

Date:
-
Location:
420 Patterson Office Tower

Efficient Electrochemical Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanotube Membranes - Chemistry Seminar

Xin Zhan of the UK Chemistry Department will be presenting a seminar entitled Efficient Electrochemical Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanotube Membranes for energy, drug delivery, and catalysis applications.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hinds

Date:
-
Location:
CP-137

Sparc-ing Things Up

I recently got invited to Sparcet by A&S. It's a online reward/recognition social network for the work place. I check into my feed on Sparcet and found other Hive members lighting up the board with awards and compliments. The way it works (from what I can tell) is that anyone can give a "medal" to another working for any amount/quality of good work that they think deserves to be recognized, and it shows up in everyone else's feed. I began to read through all the "sparcets" that were given and couldn't believe it! We've got some awesome people at the Hive.

The Hive is a huge and growing entity. We are physically spread out, and often it's hard to keep track of what everyone else is up to. In this way, Sparcet is a great way to keep in touch with work related activity of others. And my favorite part is that it seems to be based off a simple principle: give credit where credit is due. Sparcet is great for this and demonstrates what a cool work environment the Hive has. 

Kudos to all my fellow Hive members for being awesome!

A Novel Activity for Fungal Nitronate Monooxygenase - Chemistry Seminar

Dr Giovanni Gadda of Georgia State University will be presenting a seminar entitled A Novel Activity for Fungal Nitronate Monooxygenase: Detoxification of the Metabolic Poison Propionate-3-Nitronate.

For more information about Dr. Gadda and his research, click here.

 

Faculty host: Dr. Miller

Date:
-
Location:
CP-137
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