Big Science from Little Stars July 19, 2011

Red dwarfs (M dwarfs) are the smallest stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. They can be 10 times less massive, twice as cool, and over 1000 times dimmer than the Sun. Yet despite their diminutive size, these stars account for about 70% of all of the stars in the Milky Way. More important, they provide crucial information about the structure and evolution of our Galaxy, and they are major targets in the search for habitable planets. Prof. Andrew West, BU Dept of Astronomy, explains why red dwarfs are Big Science.

Lecture Hall #522, Astronomy Dept, BU College of Arts & Sciences
(west end --that's the far left entrance-- of the building)
parking free behind building, J lot after 6:30
or Green line "T": BU Central exit
contact: info@scienceforthepublic.org

Science for the Public: The Public Science Lecture Series http://www.scienceforthepublic.org/
This lecture is sponsored by the Dept of Astronomy, Boston University. Free and open to the public