Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

It is not hyperbole to state that galactic ecosystems have spawned pretty much everything that we hold dear – including ourselves. These nebular nurseries have incubated all the stars, planetary systems, and many of the complex molecules known to humanity. From there, the myriad of planets in orbit around their hosting stars have further refined the organic matter into even more complex biochemicals. On the surface of one particularly moist planet, life took hold, and evolutionary processes led to you and me collectively pondering the wonders of galactic ecosystems under dark skies and in vivid astronomical images. In this presentation, I will introduce galactic ecosystems of varying size and what they can tell us about our cosmic origins.

Biography:

William H. Waller (Bill) is an astronomer, science educator and communicator based in Rockport, Massachusetts. His research focus is exploring the causes and consequences of starburst activity in nearby galaxies. He has worked with NASA on several space science research missions and educational outreach programs. Bill is an author of multiple books on astronomy, co-founder and co-editor of The Galactic Inquirer, and producer of Doc Waller's Earth & Space Reports video series. He currently serves as one of five National Astronomy Education Coordinators representing the United States for the IAU's Office of Astronomy for Education (IAU/OAE/US-NAEC).