Physics Colloquium, March 9, 2004

X-rays in the Solar System

Alex Dalgarno

Professor of Astronomy
Harvard University

X-rays with energies up to 1 keV have been observed to be emitted from comets. A discussion will be given of the possible excitation mechanisms that may produce the X-rays. The connection of X-rays to the solar wind will be explored and inferences will be drawn from the spectra about the the heavy ion composition. The same processes must take place in the heliosphere and their contribution to the soft X-ray background will be analysed.

3.30 p.m., Smith Laboratory, Room 1005

Refreshments served in Smith 1094 at 3:00 p.m.