When:
Friday, April 10, 2015
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT
Where: Technological Institute, L211, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 map it
Audience: Faculty/Staff - Student - Public
Contact:
Pamela Villalovoz
13645
Group: Physics and Astronomy Colloquia
Category: Academic
Title: Is statistical mechanics useful for describing galaxies and planetary systems?
Speaker: Scott Tremaine, Princeton Institute for Advanced Study
Abstract: There have been many attempts to apply the powerful tools of statistical mechanics to self-gravitating N-body systems such as galaxies and planetary systems. I will describe why this is difficult, some notable failures and successes, and ongoing work on two arenas where these tools offer new insight into astrophysical systems: the distribution of young stars in the central parsec of our Galaxy, and the distribution of orbits of exoplanets.
Host: Yoram Lithwick
Speaker Schedule
Keywords: Physics, Astronomy, colloquium