Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/10/2005
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

Title: The Role of Red Giant Stars in the Origin of the Elements

Speaker: Dr. Amanda Karakas

Institute: McMaster University

Location: MDCL/1110

Description:

One of the most important research fields in astrophysics is the study of the origin of the elements. By understanding how stars evolve in time and process elements in their interiors, we can pinpoint which type of stars are responsible for producing specific groups of elements in the periodic table. Much uncertainty still surrounds the origin of some elements, including rare light elements like fluorine and the heaviest elements produced by neutron capture. I will discuss how this fascinating story involves Sun-like stars that end their lives as red giant stars and eventually planetary nebulae. Sun-like stars are numerous in the Galaxy and hence make a significant contribution in the form of dusty outflows which seed the giant molecular clouds that form new solar systems. I will discuss how the latest models of red giants provide hints to the origin of many elements and isotopes and highlight areas where future study is required.