Colloquium on Nov. 4, 2021

The cosmic origin of r-process elements: in the era of gravitational-wave astronomy

Speaker: Nobuya Nishimura (RIKEN)

Venue: Video Conference

Time: 16:00 PM, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021

Abstract:

Nucleosynthesis by the r-process, the rapid neutron-capture process, is a major origin of heaviest elements beyond iron in the universe, occurring in explosive astrophysical phenomena with very neutron-rich environments. In the studies of r-process nucleosynthesis, there are several unsolved problems in nuclear physics and astrophysics. In this talk, I will briefly summarize recent progress on the studies of the r-process, mainly focusing on neutron star mergers. We will see that the scenario of neutron star mergers is consistent with several observations, e.g., GW170817 with a kilonova, chemical evolution of r-process elements. In addition, nevertheless, there are several remaining (or newly realized) problems on the origin of r-process elements in the universe. Focusing on our own research, I will introduce attempts to address these issues.

Report PPT:  SWIFAR_Nobuya Nishimura.pdf