White Dwarfs: How and Why We Observe Them
Alex Gianninas

Summary
What exactly are white dwarf stars? How do we observe them and what can be gleaned from these observations? These are the questions I will seek to answer. I will begin with a short introduction where I will explain the nature of white dwarfs and where they fit into the grand scheme of the evolution of stars. I will then discuss how astronomers historically went about looking for white dwarfs in the night sky. Finally, the majority of my talk will be devoted to the different methods and instruments used to observe white dwarfs and how these observations allow us to study the many properties of these stars.
 
 

About the Speaker
Spurred on by a childhood dream to study astronomy and astrophysics, I obtained my B.Sc.(Honors) in physics from McGill University in 2003. I then made the switch to Universite de Montreal where I have pursued the study of white dwarf stars. I obtained my M.Sc. in
physics(astrophysics) in 2005 under the supervsion of Pierre Bergeron and am currently in the second year of my PhD. I have several observation missions under my belt both at the 1.6 m telescope of the Observatoire du mont Megantic in the Eastern Townships and at the Steward Observatory 2.3 m telescope on Kitt Peak in Arizona where I am a certified observer. I have published 3 articles in refeered journals as first author and have spoken at various scientific gatherings, most notably at the 15th European Workshop on White Dwarfs this past August.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
John Abbott College
Penfield building, room P204
8:00pm

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