Talks and shows

Supernova science: Destruction in the stars

Learn more about the destruction of massive stars.

Event image 'Dusty Beginnings of a Star' by NASA

When stars are born, hundreds of thousands can form in one cluster. Amongst these are massive stars which, though rare and short-lived, have far-reaching effects on the evolution of the entire galaxy.

Clusters of stars are formed when gravity causes giant clouds of dusty gas to collapse, giving us some of the most stunning images in astronomy. However, alongside the creation there is destruction. Massive stars, around 40 times larger than the sun, emit vast amounts of energy which heats and blows away the star-forming gas.

In this talk, Thomas Haworth shares the latest understandings of how the energy from massive stars is impacting the clusters and galaxies around them. From the destruction of planet-forming discs surrounding young stars to energy surges as the massive stars explode in supernovae, the lives of massive stars have far-reaching consequences for their surroundings.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Thomas Haworth

Thomas Haworth
Image credit: Thomas Haworth

Thomas Haworth is a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow and Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. His approach to research uses both computer simulations and observations with state of the art facilities. He connects the two using synthetic observations. His main interests are the connection between planet formation and star forming environment, but has enjoyed working on a wide range of other topics including star formation/stellar feedback, planet formation, cloud-cloud collisions, AGB star winds and globulettes.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

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Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions