Speaker: Dan Milisavljevic (Purdue University)

The catastrophic death of a massive star, a supernova explosion, is among the most powerful and important events in the cosmos. These brilliant bursts produce not only spectacular nebulae, but also exotic remnant objects including neutron stars, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. They strongly shape the structure and chemistry of their host galaxies. Perhaps most significant, the stellar debris ejected into interstellar space is chock full of the heavy elements that make planets and life possible. Prof. Milisavljevic will vividly describe the ways that supernovae critically influence our universe. Breakthrough science opportunities are becoming possible through new synergies between the Hubble Space Telescope and observing facilities sensitive to electromagnetic energy, neutrinos, and gravitational waves.

The 2019 Public Lecture Series offers talks on a diverse selection of cosmic topics held the first Tuesday of every month in the STScI John N. Bahcall Auditorium. Admission is free and free parking is available in the lot across the street. Find information related to driving directions and relevant transportation resources on our Getting Here page. Further information and directions are available by calling 410-338-4700.

Live and archived recordings:

• News and Introductions
• The Deaths and Afterlives of Massive Stars (YouTube)