Martin Weinberg (UMass)

Title: Galactic warps & asymmetries: origins and implications

Abstract: I will review the dynamics and observations of large-scale

asymmetries using warps as a primary example. These subtle but ubiquitous features, because they depend on the distribution of baryons and dark matter, can constrain a galaxy's history and structure. I plan to conclude with discussion of recent work on gas dynamics, current theoretical challenges, implications of the LMC orbit and Milky Way mass, and predictions for upcoming Milky Way surveys.