University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy
University of Hawaii at Hilo Physics and Astronomy Dept
Cool Contaminated Stellar Corpses
Jay Farihi, Gemini Observatory Postdoctoral Research Fellow

White dwarfs represent the end state of 99% of all stars in the Galaxy, including our Sun. By searching for and studying any remnant planetary systems at white dwarfs, astronomers are in essence learning about the ultimate fate of all planetary systems, including our own. Farihi will present recently obtained evidence from the Spitzer Space Telescope that planetary systems do persist at white dwarfs and contaminate the dead star with heavy metals. In many ways, these bizarre systems resemble Saturn and its rings, indicating the high gravity stellar remnant has destroyed and subsequently cannibalized pieces of its planetary system.

Friday, April 13th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
University Classroom Building Room 100
University of Hawaii at Hilo