The 76th Compton Lecture Series

Every Saturday morning beginning October 6, through December 15, 2012; lectures start at 11:00 a.m. (No lectures on November 24th [Thanksgiving Weekend] or December 8th ["Physics With a Bang!"]).

Lecturer: Thomas Davison, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of the Geophysical Sciences
Topic: "Constructing the Solar System: A Smashing Success"

Kersten Physics Teaching Center
5720 S. Ellis Avenue, Room 106
Chicago, IL 60637

The history of the Solar System is one of the oldest subjects studied by scientists ­– and one in which we still don’t have all the answers. We now have a reasonable understanding of how the Sun and the planets formed, but there are still some parts of the story that are unexplained. Recent advances in numerical modeling, experimental techniques and astronomical observations are leading to a more thorough understanding of our Solar System’s origins. Dr. Davison will discuss the current state of our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Solar System, with a particular emphasis on the fundamental role of high velocity impact processes. This is a diverse subject that encompasses elements of physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy. The discussions will cover the formation of our Sun, the building of the planets, and the effects of impacts throughout the history of the Solar System.

Free and open to the public, no registartion required.  Additional details here.