Workshop on Simulating the Dynamics of Galaxies and the ISM

Purpose

To encourage the use of numerical modelling techniques in the interpretation of observational data.  Particular emphasis will be on SPH and N-body methods as applied to the atomic and molecular ISM, star formation, and galactic dynamics.  The workshop is meant to complement recent ANITA workshops on high-energy astrophysics and gravity, with a strong pedagogical emphasis.  Lectures will be accompanied by tutorials where participants will gain some familiarity with the software.

For some suggested background reading please follow this link.

Lectures & Tutorials

Lectures will be given by researchers who are actively working on simulations, theory, and/or observations of galaxies and the ISM.  We will aim to cover some of the breadth of work in this field in Australia, but inevitably some topics will be omitted.  We apologise for this in advance.

Two tutorials, one each on N-body and SPH, will be offered on Thursday afternoon.  These are designed to provide an introduction to how a simulation is set up and run.  Due to limited space, participation will be restricted to those registered by the deadline.  Participants will be able to attend both tutorials.

Confirmed speakers include: Hans Zinnecker (Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam), Erwin de Blok, Ralph Sutherland (RSAA), Jarrod Hurley (Monash), Brad Gibson, Chris Power, James Murray, Tim Connors (Swinburne), Mark Wardle (Macquarie), Blair Conn (Sydney), Erik Muller, Baerbel Koribalski, Naomi McClure-Griffiths (ATNF).

Registration

Please register for the meeting by completing the web form.  All participants (including speakers) should register.  The registration deadline has passed; visitors are welcome to attend the lectures but will not be catered for.  A small fee to cover catering ($30 per person) will be payable in cash at the time of the workshop.  The fee will be waived for lecturers and students.

The workshop is aimed at postgraduate students, but we encourage a broad audience with varying levels of expertise to attend.

Participants are strongly urged to complete the feedback form.

Schedule

The workshop will begin around 10am on Thursday and finish around lunchtime on Friday.  Morning tea and a cold buffet lunch will be provided both days, as well as afternoon tea on Thursday.

Transport

We regret we are unable to assist with transportation.  For information on reaching the ATNF see the Visitors Guide to the ATNF Headquarters.  If you are taking public transport you can use the Transport Infoline to plan your trip (choose Marsfield, Epping nr Vimiera as your destination).

Accommodation

A number of rooms will be available on-site at the ATNF Marsfield lodge for $55/night (including breakfast supplies).  To make a booking you should fill in the Reservation Form.  We ask that non-students not book these rooms so as to allow students to take advantage of this option (students also get a 50% discount).

There is also low-cost accommodation at Dunmore Lang College at nearby Macquarie University.  Prices per night (including breakfast) are as follows:

• $65 for dorm-style rooms with shared toilets & bathrooms
• $75 for private ensuite rooms
• $120 for new one-bedroom apartments with two single beds
• $140 for new two-bedroom apartments with two single beds in each bedroom

For information or to make a booking phone (02) 9856 1000 or email Mrs Petina Gibbeson.  From Macquarie Shopping Centre you will need to take an Epping-bound bus (e.g. 288 or 290) to Vimiera Rd and then walk one block south to Pembroke Rd. 

For additional information on local hotels please see this page.

Organising Committee
Tony Wong (ATNF & UNSW, chair), Geoff Bicknell (ANU), Tim Connors (Swinburne), Rosemary Mardling (Monash).  Local organisation by Tony Wong and Sue Little (ATNF).

Sponsorship
Thanks to the ATNF for financial and logistical support for this workshop.