Physics and Astronomy Colloquium: Keivan G. Stassun and Marina Kounkel (Vanderbilt University)

Abstract:  We begin with an overview of the precision stellar astrophysics enabled by the confluence of Gaia parallaxes with large-scale photometric and spectroscopic surveys. We then give examples of the new understanding of local Galactic structure that this has enabled, including in particular the detailed history of canonical star-forming regions, and the discovery of "stellar strings" reflecting the local conditions of recent star formation. 

Faculty host: C. Woodward