Astronomy Speaker - Space Rubble: Sand Experiments

We are delighted to welcome Professor Alice Quillen from the University of Rochester, an astronomer specializing in dynamical astronomy, satellite stability, exoplanet systems, tidal evolution, chaotic spin dynamics, Milky Way structure and active matter. Discover her experiments in granular systems and planetary science.

Location: UAH Shelby Center for Science and Technology, Room 109

Date: 02/27/2024

Time: 05:00 pm - 7 pm

RSVP on Eventbrite- Free!

RSVP to Reserve your Spot

=======================================================================

Abstract:

Lab experiments in sand and gravel illustrate phenomena that also takes place in granular systems at low g, such as on the surfaces of rubble asteroids and transneptunian objects. Impact, ricochet and seismic experiments, along with images from recent missions, help us interpret the exotic surfaces of these small bodies. Our experiments are relevant for the design of landers, mitigating potentially hazardous impacts, and suggest how asteroids could have been eroded by the particle rich protosolar disk in which they formed.