"Has there ever been a time when the celestial equator was aligned with the galactic plane?"
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Seminar Detail
Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems: Placing Our Habitable Solar System in Context
Presenter: Michael Meyer ()
September 26, 2005 11:00 AM Pacific
Over the past 10 years abundant evidence has emerged that many (if not
all) stars are born with circumstellar disks. Understanding the
evolution of disks can provide strong constraints on theories of
planet formation. While concensus is emerging concerning the
early evolution of accretion disks (tau < 10 Myr) and the
characterization of older debris disks (tau > 1 Gyr) continues at a
rapid pace, little is known about the transition between these two
extremes thought to occur during the epoch of planet formation.
Recent studies undertaken with ground and space-based observatories
are helping to address questions concerning the evolution of disks
around sun-like stars. We will review recent results from these programs,
and compare them to models for the evolution of our own solar system.
This comparison sheds light on whether solar systems like our own
(and the potential for life that such systems represent) are common or
rare among the ensemble of sun-like stars in the disk of the Milky Way.Participation Instructions
December 21, 2007
Team Overview Seminars: Each of the NAI teams will be giving one hour overview seminars that describe the work they will be performing as members of the NAI. These seminars, which will be broadcast via videoconference and web, will provide an opportunity to find out more about the science, EPO and other activities being performed by the NAI teams.
The Director’s Seminar series features talks from scientists who are invited by the NAI Director to present their research results to the community. A primary goal of the seminars is to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across NAI teams and within the astrobiology community at large. These seminars are open to all, including the general public; however, the target audience is researchers and students who are engaged in astrobiology. While the seminars are technical in nature, speakers are encouraged to develop presentations that can be understood by colleagues from a variety of disciplines across the field. The talks are typically 50 minutes long, with time at the end for questions and discussion.
The Forum for Astrobiology Research (FAR) seminar provides an opportunity for graduate students to present their research results, and to meet as a student community for mutual encouragement and support. FAR science presentations are typically 20-30 minutes each, with several students presenting during one virtual event. On occasion, the FAR seminar will be devoted to group discussion and planning activities.
The University of Washington seminar series is hosted by the NAI VPL team from their campus in Seattle. NAI provides technical support for the seminar series and produces podcasts of the presentations. The talks are typically 50 minutes long, with time at the end for questions and discussion.
Other virtual seminars, such as workshops and summer student presentations, are hosted by NAI. These are typically scheduled as needed and vary in length, content, and target audience.
