NSAS Seminar Series - our speaker is Zachary Smeaton

On the 3rd Tuesday of the month (February to November) at 7:30pm, we meet on zoom or at Regis Hall in the grounds of St Ignatius’ College, Riverview Street, Riverview (Lane Cove) which features a presentation from a Guest Lecturer. These presentations generally focus on the theoretical aspects of Cosmology, Astrophysics and Astrophotography and can include some of the most up-to-date research and scientific findings. We are fortunate to be able to obtain speakers from Australia’s top universities and scientific community – our past Guest Lecturers have included the likes of Dr Fred Watson and Nobel Prize winner Prof. Brian Schmidt. This month's speaker is Zachary Smeaton, from Western Sydney University who will talk on 'Cosmic Explosions: A multi-frequency view of supernova remnants'

Abstract: Supernova remnants (SNRs) are the remains of some of the most energetic stellar explosions in the Universe, and are pivotal to the chemical enrichment and evolution of galaxies. Observed across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, each wavelength provides unique and complementary insights into the high-energy physics at play. To study a full SNR population, we turn to our nearest galactic neighbour: the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). This dwarf galaxy is an ideal laboratory — close enough to resolve individual remnants in detail, yet far enough to study an entire galactic population at once. I will present a new comprehensive multi-frequency catalogue of LMC SNRs incorporating the latest MeerKAT radio data, and together we will explore what these remarkable objects reveal about the life cycle of massive stars.

The format of the evening consists of a welcome to Members, Guests and Visitors, a quick discussion on general business of NSAS, the presentation from our Guest Speaker and then members usually stay for pizza and have a chat with a cup of tea or coffee.

These meetings are an excellent opportunity to get to know fellow members.

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