OCTOBER 8 - 12, 2007

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9

12:30 pm: Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) Seminar. "Measuring Kinetic Luminosity of Quasar Outflows: Results from VLT Observations, and Implications to AGN Feedback," Dr. Nahum Arav, University of Colorado. Pratt Conference Room.

Abstract: Sub-relativistic outflow are seen as blueshifted absorption troughs in the spectra of roughly a third of all quasars. I will describe a research program whose main aim is to determine the kinetic luminosity of these outflows, which is the key parameter to assess their contribution to the evolution of quasars/host galaxies and other AGN feedback scenarios.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

4:00 pm: Initiative in Innovative Computing (IIC) Seminar. "Automated Visualization of Large Datasets Using the Grammar of Graphics Foundation," Leland Wilkinson, Systat Software Inc. and University of Illinois at Chicago. Preceded by refreshments at 3:45 pm. Room 330, 60 Oxford Street, Cambridge. Event parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage [map]. Please inform the parking attendant you are attending the IIC seminar. (The IIC seminar series schedule is updated often with additional information and seminars.)

Abstract: Visualization has at least three purposes: 1) the inspection of raw data, 2) the assessment of assumptions underlying fitted models, 3) the presentation of fitted models. Automated visualization (AV) is an attempt to serve these purposes through intelligent automation of visualization and statistical methods. While AV might be designed to serve all three purposes equally well, its most suitable applications involve the early stages of a discovery process. AV, however sophisticated, should not replace the interactive process underlying the development and fitting of models themselves.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

11:00 am: Science Education Seminar and Open Discussion. Weekly sessions focus on current department programs, literature reviews, and recent trends in science education and assessment. Some sessions feature outside speakers or guests. All members of the CfA community are welcome. Please contact Bruce Ward at bward@cfa, if you wish to attend any session. Phillips Auditorium.

11:00 am: Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) Colloquium. "Disk Fragmentation and Star Formation in the Galactic Center," Dr. Phil Armitage University of Colorado/JILA. Pratt Conference Room.

Abstract: Accretion disks around supermassive black holes have long been known to be vulnerable to gravitational instability and star formation. The disk of young stars detected at sub-pc radii in the Galactic Center may be the first well-observed example of this phenomenon. I will discuss numerical simulations of self-gravitating disks that constrain the conditions for, and outcome of, disk fragmentation. I will argue that although disk fragmentation can plausibly yield the observed numbers of massive stars, the dynamical state of the observed stars is only marginally consistent with theoretical expectations. Speculative implications for the more general problem of AGN fuelling will be discussed.

12:30 pm: Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division Lunch Talk. "Spitzer Mid-Infrared Observations of Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies," Yanling Wu, Cornell. Pratt Conference Room.

Abstract: Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies (BCDs) are galaxies that are characterized by their blue optical colors, low luminosities and small sizes. BCDs are found to typically have have low, subsolar, metallicities and proposed to be used as local laboratory to study the star formation in the early univesre. The unprecendented sensitivity of the Spitzer Space Telescope has enabled us for the first time to detect a large sample of these low luminosity systems, proving the presence/absence of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon features. In addition, using the high-resolution spectroscopy, we study the elemental abundances of neon and sulfur in BCDs and compare with the results from optical studies. Finally, we also analyse the FIR/radio correlation in low luminosity galaxies and expand the discussion to the mid-IR. The IRS was a collaborative venture between Cornell University and Ball Aerospace Corporation funded by NASA through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Ames Research Center.

4:00 pm: Colloquium. "X-Ray Emitting Clusters of Galaxies - How Do They Work and How Can We Use Them?" Prof. Jeremiah P. Ostriker, Princeton University. (Anyone wishing to meet with the speaker should contact the host, Dr. Harvey Tananbaum, ext. 5-7248.) Preceded by tea at 3:30 pm. Phillips Auditorium.

Abstract: X-ray emitting clusters of galaxies are the most massive self-gravitating objects in the Universe and the most steadily luminous. They provided the first definitive evidence for "dark matter" and they now are among the tools of choice to determine the properties of the "dark energy." Studied since the 30s of the last century, we still cannot answer some of the most obvious questions. What is the distribution of stars, gas and dark matter? Are relativistic components important? What are the principle energy inputs? If cooling flows do not occur, why not? How can we use them for the upcoming, elaborate "dark energy searches," if we understand them only imperfectly at best? We will try to show how recent X-ray observations and new theoretical calculations can help to answer these questions.

CHANDRA FELLOWS SYMPOSIUM

Wednesday, October 10, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: The Chandra Fellows Symposium. Data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory have provided stunning images, surprises and new insights. Chandra Fellows will present highlights of their recent work on X-ray related topics such as black holes, X-ray binaries, novae, supernovae, star clusters, AGN, and galaxy clusters. The detailed program can be found here. Dr. Nancy Evans is organizing the symposium. For more information, contact her at nevans@cfa; or ext 5-7416. Light refreshments will be available. Phillips Auditorium.

SAO HUMAN RESOURCES NOTES

Leave Donations Requested

Due to a medical emergency, Donna Coletti of the Library has been approved as a leave donor recipient in the Leave Transfer Program. Any SAO Trust Fund employee who wishes to donate annual leave to Donna should complete a Leave Donor Form and send it to MS17.

Under the Leave Transfer Program, Trust Fund employees may only donate annual leave to other Trust Fund employees and Federal employees may donate annual leave only to other Federal employees. If you should have any questions or are not able to access the form, please contact Anne LeBlanc, ext. 5-7371.

Job Vacancies

An online listing of all current SAO job openings is available. For more information, please call Human Resources, ext. 5-7371, or view your nearest bulletin board.