On Monday (30.01.2023) at 12.00 pm c.t. the next date of our Physics Colloquium will take place.
The speaker is Dr. Daniel Verscharen (University College London) on the topic: "Electron-Astrophysics - How the Smallest Scales in Space Power the Biggest Structures in the Universe".
Almost all of the visible matter in the Universe is in the plasma state. The smallest characteristic scales, at which electron dynamics determines the plasma behavior, are the next frontier in space and astrophysical plasma research. The analysis of astrophysical processes at these scales lies at the heart of the research theme of electron-astrophysics. Electron scales are the ultimate bottleneck for dissipation of plasma turbulence, which is a fundamental process not understood in the electron-kinetic regime. In addition, plasma electrons often play an important role for the spatial transfer of thermal energy due to the high heat flux associated with their velocity distribution. The regulation of this electron heat flux and the role of plasma instabilities for the energetics and thermodynamics of plasmas are likewise not understood. By focusing on these and other fundamental electron processes, the research theme of electron-astrophysics links outstanding science questions of great importance to the fields of space physics, astrophysics, and laboratory plasma physics. Electron-astrophysics heavily builds upon the use of in-situ plasma measurements in accessible near-Earth space plasmas to understand the universal and fundamental processes in cosmic plasmas throughout the Universe. I will review a selection of the outstanding science questions, discuss their importance, and present a roadmap for answering them through existing and novel space-mission concepts.
Abstract lecture Dr. Daniel Verscharen
The introduction will be given by Prof. Dr. Maria Elena Innocenti.
The faculty cordially invites all interested parties. The event will take place in lecture hall HNC 10 and hybrid via Zoom. Before the colloquium we offer coffee and cookies. This link will take you to the Zoom event (meetingID: 632 5520 9938, password: 526977). All dates of the Physics Colloquium can be found here.