October 7, 2016 8-10PM

Event Type: Lecture and Stargazing
Title: Cosmic Explosions through the Ages: Supernovae Seen with the Naked Eye
Lecturer: Jacob Jencson
Position: Graduate Student
Institution: Caltech
Abstract:
Astronomy is among the oldest of the sciences, and the history of observing cosmic explosions stretches back almost 2000 years. Supernovae, some of the most powerful explosions known in the universe, are the catastrophic death throes of certain types of stars. We will explore the observations of ancient astronomers who were the first to record these spectacular events and ponder their significance. Connecting these observations to the work of modern astrophysicists, we will investigate why some stars meet such a violent end, and what kinds of remnants they leave behind.