Free Public Lecture
Magnets in the Sky
Professor Bryan Gaensler
Monday 21st September 7pm
Lecture Theatre C1, Building 63 Monash Clayton campus
Followed by Astronomical Viewing - Top of North West Car park
Bookings recommended - please contact Doris Herft at the School of Mathematical Sciences, phone 03 990 54465, or email:
Doris.Herft@sci.monash.edu.au
One of the more remarkable discoveries made by 20th century astronomers was that stars, planets, galaxies, and even diffuse interstellar gas, are all magnetic. These cosmic magnetic fields play a vital role in controlling how stars and galaxies form, age and evolve. In addition, this naturally occurring magnetism regulates solar activity and space weather, protects the Earth from harmful particles,and is vital for the navigation of birds and other species.
Professor Bryan Gaensler will open the window for you to the magnetic Universe. He will explain how we detect and study magnets in space, even though magnetic fields are invisible even to the largest telescopes. In the next few years, we will finally be able to start understanding what creates astrophysical magnets, what role they play in the Universe's evolution, and how they have maintained their strength over billions of years of cosmic time.
Following the public lecture (weather permitting), an astronomical viewing session will be held on the top level of the multi-storey car park at the north west corner of the Clayton Campus. Please note that clear nights can be very cold, so please bring warm clothing if you plan to attend the viewing session.
more information at
http://iya09.monash.edu.au/
