Dr Ron Ekers (ATNF)

Cosmic Rays, Star Formation and Starburst Galaxies - Dr Ron Ekers Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

A surprising tight correlation has been observed between the far infrared and
the radio continuum emission from galaxies. It will be argued that the
currently accepted explanations involving dust heated by high mass stars and
cosmic rays produced by their supernovae is not credible. I will explore a
range of alternate explanations focusing the potential role of magnetic fields
and cosmic rays on the IMF and the star formation rate. There are interesting
links to starburst galaxies and to starformation activity in the early
universe.