The Milky Way Nuclear Star Cluster: A High-energy Perspective

Nuclear Star Clusters (NSCs) are prevalent in nearby galaxies of any morphological type. The origin of NCSs remains an open question, but it is generally thought that their formation and evolution are closely related to the seeding and growth of a central (super-)massive black hole (SMBH). The nearest example of a NSC is found in the center of our own Galaxy, which offers the best opportunity to study a wide range of physical processes and intriguing phenomena unique to the immediate vicinity of a SMBH. In this talk, I will introduce our recent effort, based primarily on Chandra X-ray observations and hydrodynamic simulations, in understanding the origin of specific stellar populations (Wolf-Rayet stars, XRBs and supernova remnants) in the Milky Way NSC and their potential impact on the Galactic Center environment. When time permits, I will also touch on related topics in the scope of globular clusters and extragalactic NSCs.

Speaker: 
Zhiyuan Li (NJU)
Place: 
KIAA-Auditorium
Host: 
Linhua Jiang
Time: 
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 3:30PM to Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 4:30PM
Biography: 
Zhiyuan Li is currently a Professor of the School of Astronomy and Space Science at Nanjing University. He obtained his Bachelor and Master degree in Astronomy at Nanjing University and PhD degree in Astrophysics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His research is mainly focused on high-energy astrophysics in the local universe, with a long-term interest in the interplay between nearby massive black holes and their environments.