When asked where we live, it’s common to respond with a street address, city, or state. But how often do we stop to think about where we live in the universe? The answer, for all of us, is planet Earth, the Solar System, the Solar Neighborhood, the Milky Way Galaxy. The area where the Sun resides in our Galaxy is quite different from the Galactic center.

To learn more about the Milky Way Galaxy and in particular, its core, join UI astrophysicist Cornelia Lang on a “Journey to the Center of the Milky Way Galaxy,” Wednesday, Sept. 10, at noon in the Iowa Theater, Iowa Memorial Union.

Lang’s presentation is part of the Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series. It is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. RSVP online. Guests are invited to bring their lunches.

Lang will describe her own multi-wavelength observations and research that works to uncover the astrophysics of the unusual environment in the Galactic center. “Detailed observations of our own nucleus provide us with a window into understanding other galaxies in our universe,” she says.

Lang is an associate professor of physics and astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences whose research is focused on the study of the interstellar medium in the nucleus of our Milky Way Galaxy and in the nuclei of nearby galaxies, particularly the detailed interplay between massive stars, their winds and the interstellar gas in our Galactic center.

The Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series offers monthly events in Des Moines and Iowa City designed to connect Iowa communities, university faculty, and government and industry leaders. The Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement sponsors the series. Upcoming events in Iowa City include:

• Oct. 15: “Magical Mythical Tour: In Search of The Beatles,” Donna Parsons, UI Honors Program
• Nov. 12: David Frisvold, economics

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the Office of the Provost in advance at 319-335-3565.