News & Press Releases

Attention commuters! Please join us at the TV Pit in the Campus Center for our October Commuter Pit Stop, from 10am-2pm. If you have questions please e-mail commuters@umassd.edu - we'd love to hear from you!

Campus Center TV Pit

"Quasi-equilibrium initial data in modified theories of gravity" - Abstract: In order to perform theory-specific tests of black hole mergers observed by LIGO, we need accurate predictions of their behavior in alternative theories of gravity. Recent efforts to numerically simulate compact objects in alternative theories of gravity have largely focused on the time-evolution equations. Another critical aspect is the construction of constraint-satisfying initial data with precise control over the properties of the systems under consideration. In this talk, I will discuss recent efforts to extend techniques to construct stationary initial data for black hole systems in GR to scalar-tensor theories of gravity and their numerical implementation in the open-source SpECTRE code. Despite the resulting elliptic system being singular at black hole horizons, we demonstrate how to construct numerical solutions that extend smoothly across the horizon. We obtain quasistationary scalar hair configurations in the test-field limit for black holes with linear/angular momentum as well as for black hole binaries. For isolated black holes, we explicitly show that the scalar profile obtained is stationary by evolving the system in time and compare against previous formulations of scalar Gauss-Bonnet initial data. In the case of the binary, we find that the scalar hair near the black holes can be markedly altered by the presence of the other black hole. The initial data constructed here enables targeted simulations in scalar Gauss-Bonnet simulations with reduced initial transients. Contact: zchen2@umassd.edu

Textiles Building 105

Join us for a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in the Grove! Questions? Email dining@umassd.edu or connect with us on social @UMassDEats"

The Grove

Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences "Optical water classification of global oceans" Jianwei Wei, Senior Remote Sensing Scientist, Global Science and Technology, Inc., NOAA/NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) at College Park, Maryland Wednesday, October 9, 2024 12:30pm-1:30pm Remote presentation Stream of lecture available in SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom Abstract: Satellite ocean reflectance data cover diverse water types from coastal waters to open oceans. Spectral classification of these reflectance data allows for distinguishing and grouping of water bodies with characteristic bio-optical/biogeochemical features. In this talk, I will present the new optical water class products for global oceans. The new model accounts for the hyperspectral reflectance spectral shapes and resolves the global aquatic system into two dozen water classes. These classes are separable with distinct bio-optical and biogeochemical properties, such as light absorption and scattering coefficients, Chl-a, diffuse attenuation coefficient, and suspended particulate matter. The in situ and satellite matchup data show that the satellite water class data are accurate, especially in open oceans. The satellite water classes not only exhibit features comparable to the Longhurst ocean provinces but have captured additional aspects of the water classes, including the seasonality of ocean basins. The representation of coastal/inland environments is considerably improved. How to use the water class products is always appealing. With demonstrations, the water class data are used as an indicator of the subtropical ocean gyre expansion and of the coastal water quality fluctuations. To date, the global water class data have been generated at daily and monthly levels from multiple satellites: VIIRS/SNPP, OLCI/Sentinel-3, SGLI/GCOM-C, etc. The experimental data are freely accessible. Join Zoom Meeting https://umassd.zoom.us/j/97440069270?pwd=L2Z1bDZESTFCKzJYZWduYVhWenYvZz09 Meeting ID: 974 4006 9270 Passcode: 428029 For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

See description for location

Interested in studying abroad? Do you have a quick question about the opportunities that are available or the overall process? Stop by the International Programs Office (IPO)! Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

International Programs Office LARTS 016

Department of Fisheries Oceanography "Offshore Wind Interactions with the Marine Ecosystem" Elizabeth (Lisa) Methratta, Fisheries and Wind Scientist, NEFSC Wednesday, October 9, 2024 3:00 - 4:00 pm SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom Abstract: Offshore wind development is advancing rapidly in the U.S. and around the world as the demand for renewable energy continues to grow. Impact producing factors (IPFs) associated with each phase of offshore wind development can affect the biological, physical, and chemical environment of the ocean. These include changes in habitat through the installation of manmade structures and scour protections, increased energy emissions, and changes in ocean physics. Research on these topics is accelerating but many knowledge gaps remain. This talk explores the potential effects of each phase of offshore wind development on the marine ecosystem, highlighting existing research on each of these topics; describes an effort undertaken by scientists at NOAA Fisheries to identify offshore wind research priorities; and lastly, touches on efforts currently underway to establish regional standards for project-level monitoring. Building knowledge to understand how wind development interacts with the marine ecosystem is needed to support co-existence of marine renewable energy and sustainable fisheries. ******************************************************* Join Zoom Meeting https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260?pwd=OHJ5UDloQkZZaCtXcTlBNlR6Qm0rQT09 Meeting ID: 937 5823 0260 Passcode: 426839 ****************************************************** For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

See description for location