Mapping our Galactic Backyard

Join us on a journey through the Sun's galactic backyard as we explore our corner of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Using the latest 3D models enabled by the Gaia space astrometry mission, we will map the nearest 10,000 light years around our solar system, revealing nebulous clouds of interstellar gas, giant cavities carved out by powerful supernova explosions, and a colossal wave-like structure along the closest spiral arm to Earth. We will discuss how these gaseous structures are shaping and being shaped by the youngest generation of stars, and how us Earthlings are getting a front-row seat to all the action as we voyage through the Milky Way.

Speaker: Catherine Zucker, Harvard & Smithsonian