Air Date: June 8, 2009

Erika Hamden

The universe in UV!

Looking at different wavelengths of light can yield new information about the universe around us. Looking at galaxies in the UV shows areas of recent star formation, as well as the end stages of a stars life. I will discuss some of the science gained from UV observations, as well as why is has traditionally been difficult to observe in the UV and what new technology has opened up UV parts of the universe to observations.

Erika is a 2nd year graduate student in Astronomy at Columbia University. Her research interests lie primarily in UV instrumentation, local group dynamics, and patterns in nature. Aside from astronomy Erika is a trained chef, and enjoys cooking and eating out in New York.