4:00 PM
5:00 PM
Abstract: Rapid neutron capture (r-process) nucleosynthesis produces roughly half of the elements in the Periodic Table more massive than Iron. The unusual conditions needed for a successful r-process, in particular the requisite high flux of (unstable) free neutrons, have made the astrophysical site(s) in which the r-process occurs an enduring mystery. Observations of the first detected neutron star merger, GW170817, in both electromagnetic and gravitational radiation yielded evidence that merging neutron stars, long favored theoretically as r-process sources, did indeed undergo heavy element nucleosynthesis. However, these same observations suggested that neutron star mergers may not be unique in their ability to produce r-process elements. I will present new insights on r-process sources, and discuss how models and observations of radiation from explosive r-process transients may help us unlock the origin of the heaviest elements in the Universe.
Astro Colloquium and 'coffee & cookies' Department gathering (3:45-4:00pm)
Please click the link to join: https://psu.zoom.us/j/92637070419