Astrophysical Turbulence: From Galaxies to Planets

Workshop: 7 - 11 October 2013

Scientific Coordinators:
Eberhard Bodenschatz (Max-Planck-Institut für Dynamik und Selbstorganisation, Göttingen, Germany)
Ulrich Christensen (Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany)
Stefan Dreizler (Universität Göttingen, Germany)

Organisation:
Katrin Lantsch (Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems Dresden, Germany)

The announcement's pdf-file

In astrophysics and cosmology, fluid flow occurs on a large range of scales and under very different conditions, from the dense interior of stars and planets to the highly rarefied intergalactic medium. These flows share the fact that they are generally turbulent, i.e. highly disordered both in space and time. Turbulence is one of the key processes for the structure and evolution of a large variety of geo- and astrophysical systems. The universality of astrophysical turbulence interlinks the physics of the interior of planets or stars with proto-planetary or galactic disks, as well as the intergalactic gas outside of galaxies. For example, angular momentum transport by turbulence is a central question that must beanswered to understand how galaxies or stars form, how proto-planetary disks evolve, how metals are mixed in the interstellar and intergalactic medium, or how differential rotation is established in stars and planets. Magnetic field amplification through turbulent dynamo processes is ubiquitous in planets, stars, and galaxies. The onset of instabilities due to dust particles or newly formed planets in proto-planetary disks controls the properties of the evolving structures. We can observe a variety of interactions between stars, planets and galaxies with their environment leading to the exchange of energy and (angular-) momentum. This compilation highlights the enormous potential and perspective of a combined workshop/school to discuss and deepen our knowledge in this very rapidly moving field of research.

The list of invited speakers:
Tom Abel (Stanford University, USA)
Philip Armitage (University of Colorado, Boulder, USA)
Andreas Burkert (Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Germany)
Chris A Jones (University of Leeds, UK)

Applications for participation and oral or poster contributions are welcome and should be made by using the application form on the event's web page. The number of attendees is limited. The registration fee for the event is 120 EUR and should be paid by all participants. Costs for accommodation and meals will be covered by the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems. Limited funding is available to partially cover travel expenses. Please note that childcare is available upon request.

Applications received before 26th August 2013 are considered preferentially.

For further information please e-mail to:
aturb13pks.mpg.de