Extreme Astrophysics with Relativistic Transients

Speaker: Tanmoy Lasker (University of Utah)

Date: Monday, September 29

Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Location: 472 Willamette Hall (IFS Seminar Room)

Abstract: As the most energetic explosions in the Universe, relativistic astrophysical transients provide a unique opportunity to explore physics at extreme energy scales that are otherwise impossible to investigate in Earth-bound laboratories. I will demonstrate the power of multi-wavelength observations, combined with theoretical modeling, in teasing apart the physics of relativistic extragalactic transients. Shining a special spotlight on radio wavelengths, I will describe how pushing the boundaries of observational efforts is leading to new insights into these extreme events. Using a series of case studies involving gamma-ray bursts, I will describe the multi-messenger revolution currently underway in extragalactic time-domain astrophysics, concluding with highlights of future prospects in this rapidly evolving, data-driven field.