Simulating and Photographing the Universe

Presented by Imran Sultan

Hello Stargazers! We hope you had a restful spring break! Astronomy Club is back this week with our 3rd GBM of the semester, featuring Northwestern physics PhD student Imran Sultan.

In addition to researching galaxy formation at NU's CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics), Imran is a prolific astrophotographer whose photos have been featured by NASA, the Royal Society, CNN, Physics Today, and the Art Institute of Chicago. His work spans the fields of physics, astronomy, data science, and art.

Join us in SES 138 this coming Thursday (4/2) at 5PM for free pizza and drinks while learning about how humans observe the cosmos! See you all there - clear skies!

Title: Simulating and Photographing the Universe

Abstract: In this presentation, we will travel from the Earth to the largest structures in the universe. I will describe how we use computer simulations to study the formation of galaxies, dark matter halos, and the cosmic web. I will share insights from my research on the gaseous environments of galaxies, using cosmological zoom-in simulations that form highly realistic virtual galaxies. In addition to this theoretical work, I have spent the past years photographing the night sky, traveling across the country to capture eclipses, comets, nebulae, and auroras. I will present highlights from my astrophotography journey, and share lessons I learned in both science and art while creating astronomical images.