Denis Leahy (University of Calgary)

Denis Leahy Colloquium: Supernovae and their remnants

Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

Supernovae create and disperse heavy elements throughout the Galaxy and into the intergalactic medium. They are also the main source of energy for motions in the interstellar medium, and are somewhat responsible for the complex structure of the interstellar medium. The process of a supernova, and the way it becomes a supernova remnant are outlined. Observations in X-rays, radio, infrared and optical bands have led to our current understanding of supernova remnants. Current work is focused on measuring physical parameters of the explosion and interstellar medium by analyzing supernova remnant observations.