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"Novae: Stellar Explosions and Long-Term Evolution"

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Physics Colloquium Dr. Michael Shara "Novae: Stellar Explosions and Long-Term Evolution"

What
  • Physics
  • Physics Colloquium
When Feb 06, 2008
from 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Where MR418N
Contact Name
Contact Phone 212-650-5577
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Dr. Michael Shara
American Museum of Natural History,
Rose Space Center, New York, NY

"Novae:  Stellar Explosions and Long-Term Evolution"

Abstract: Most "new" naked-eye stars in our Galaxy are novae, which recur on timescales of millenia. I'll review the stellar evolution scenarios that lead to cataclysmic binary stars, and the thermonuclear runaway mechanism which generates these titanic explosions. Recent imagery of related stars shows that there are metamorphic states of novae, devoid of explosive behavior; novae "hide" between eruptions. Finally I'll show how novae are exquisite probes of intergalactic tramp stars.

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