Events on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
- Astronomy Colloquium
- Exoplanet Seminar
- The Geology of Planetary Atmospheres
- Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Place: 6515 Sterling Hall
- Speaker: Prof. Ray Pierrehumbert , Halley Professor of Physics, University of Oxford
- Abstract: In this lecture, I will highlight some examples of the interplay between planetary envelopes and planetary interiors, focusing on lava planets, "hot rocks" (rocky planets too hot to support surface liquid water but not hot enough to have molten surfaces), the deep carbon cycle on habitable rocky worlds, and sub-Neptunes. Recent JWST data driving these inquiries will be surveyed. The general programme is to determine the extent to which astronomical observations -- which probe only the outer skin of a planet's volatile envelope (if present)-- together with mass, radius and age data can constrain the composition and structure of the interior, which cannot be directly observed. sub-Neptunes present an especially interesting case, because many currently accessible targets have a predominantly rocky composition (by mass), surrounded by a lower molecular weight envelope which interacts physically and chemically with a permanent magma ocean at the silicate/envelope interface. For sub-Neptunes with a sufficiently massive envelope, the interface with the silicate mantle can be hot enough to drive the silicate itself supercritical, blurring the distinction between mantle and envelope. Lack of experimental data on equations of state, geochemical reaction constants and opacities currently constitutes a serious impediment to progress in modelling sub-Neptune thermochemical structure and evolution.
- Host: Thomas Beatty
- Physics Education Innovation Seminar
- The Development of Physics 106: The Physics of Sport from 4 students to 300
- Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Place: B343 Sterling Hall
- Speaker: Jim Reardon, UW-Madison
- Abstract: Physics 106 was first offered in Fall 2022 (as Physics 206) with an enrollment of 4 students, and has grown to have an enrollment (in Fall 2025) of 300 students. How did this happen? A brief description will be given of the evolution of Physics 106 instruments and methods, and an attempt will be made to assess the feedback loops responsible for the growth in enrollment.
- Host: PEIF Committee
- WiCOR Lecture
- WiCOR Lecture: Understanding the Chemical Origins of Life
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Place: DeLuca Forum, Discovery Building
- Speaker: Professor Jim Cleaves, Department of Chemistry, Howard University
- Abstract: Professor Jim Cleaves (Department of Chemistry, Howard University) will present a lecture entitled “Understanding the Chemical Origins of Life” for the Fall 2025 WiCOR Lecture on Oct 8 at 7:30 PM. This event is open to the public – please share with friends and family! Learn more at:
- Host: Wisconsin Center for Origins Research