Where Gas, Dust, and Stars Meet

Aleksandra Hamanowicz, Space Telescope Science Institute

Many who gaze at the night sky focus only on the stars, but astronomers see much more. The material among and between the stars, the interstellar medium, is an integral part of every galaxy, and is strongly connected with the galaxy’s evolution and the lifecycle of its stars.

The story involves the cosmic recycling of material, gradually enriching the interstellar medium with each generation of stars. Grains of interstellar dust, though microscopic, are essential in the observable emission from galaxies near and far. Astronomers have devised diverse methods to characterize the interstellar medium and can use it to understand the properties of a galaxy as a whole.

Dr. Hamanowicz will guide the audience through this vital component of galaxies, where gas, dust, and stars meet. Join us for a journey through the sometimes overlooked, yet incredibly rich, interstellar medium.

Host: Kelly Lepo, Space Telescope Science Institute
Recorded live on Tuesday, September 5, 2023
More information: www.stsci.edu/public-lectures

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