SHAO Astrophysics Colloquia 

Title: Comparing radiative transfer models and observations of astrophysical dust 

Speaker: Peter Scicluna, (ASIAA) 

Time: 3:00 PM, Dec. 08 (Thursday) 

Location: Lecture Hall, 3rd floor 

Abstract: Modern astronomy often relies upon models to interpret observations. In particular, because optical-depth effects play a major role in the propagation of light, radiative transfer modelling is crucial. I will briefly review methods of radiative transfer, along with their strengths, weaknesses, and example applications, before discussing a selection of recent and future work on systems with complex geometries in greater detail. In particular, I will explore the influence of clumpiness on observations of extinction and emission in dusty circum- and interstellar media.