NRAO/Socorro Colloq. Abstract

The Centre of our Galaxy the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), contains 80% of all dense gas in the Galaxy, but holds only about 5% of current star formation. The CMZ is hotter, denser and more turbulent than anywhere else in the Galaxy. It is a truly unique place. It is also important as the CMZ has analogues in other galaxies that are typically used to estimate extragalactic star formation rates. Yet we do not understand the star formation in the CMZ. I will describe the CMZ and present recent models to explain the unusual star formation. I will also introduce a way to make a 3 dimensional model of the CMZ with the hope that this can be used to help us understand how star formation proceeds under extreme circumstances. August 18, 2015 11:00 am Array Operations Center Auditorium All NRAO employees are invited to attend via video, available in Charlottesville Auditorium, Green Bank Auditorium, and VLA Video Conference Room. Local Host: Betsy Mills