My (Second) Favorite Disk:
Understanding Saturn's Rings

Dr. John Weiss
Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Carleton College

 

Saturn's rings are the only astrophysical disk we can study up close. Since disks play important roles in everything from galactic dynamics to star and planet formation, this makes them very interesting.  We can use surprising brightness variations in Saturn's rings -- coupled with computer models and a little cleverness -- to tease out properties of particles we cannot see directly.  We can also use Saturn's small ring-moons to understand the natures of the particles and maybe learn something about where planets come from.

John is a candidate for a teaching position here next year.  Please come to meet him and to hear his talk.