Formation of Gold and other heavy elements via the R(apid neutron capture)-process
Dr. Rana Ezzeddine 1:30-2:00pm

Most chemical elements up to Iron are formed in the core of the stars via nucleosynthesis fusion processes of lighter elements into heavier ones. Elements heavier than iron, however, require neutron-capture processes to take place. I will talk about our current understanding of the formation of the heaviest elements, such as Gold and Uranium, via the (r)apid neutron-capture process in stars, especially within the latest exciting and ground-breaking multi-wavelength LIGO discovery of the GW170817 neutron star merger gravitational waves event.

An Explanation of the Science Behind LIGO
Dr. Evan Hall and Mr. Benjamin Lane  2:00-3:00pm

How can we build a machine that can detect dead stars colliding with each other a billion light-years away? Come hear about the physics that goes into building the LIGO gravitational wave observatories, and the astrophysics behind recent detections. Black holes, neutron stars, high-power lasers, and quantum optics!

Tour of the LIGO Lab

Come see how the quantum optics research here at MIT will improve detections of binary neutron stars and black holes in LIGO to be more often and more informative.

Attendees will be divided into two groups of 10. Group A will hear talk by Dr. Evan Hall, while the Group B starts with the lab tour led by Mr. Benjamin Lane. Group A will take the lab tour following the talk, while Group B will get the talk after the lab tour. Talk and tour 30 minutes each.