Meeting Announcement

Diffuse Matter in the Galaxy: Observations Confront Theory

August 29--September 2, 2004

Venue: Arecibo, Puetro Rico, USA
E-mail: ism at astro.uiuc.edu
URL: http://www.naic.edu/meeting.htm

The interstellar medium (ISM) provides the material to form stars and occupies the vast majority of space. As a result of star formation and stellar energy feedback, the physical conditions of the ISM evolve and produce multiple phases. These include neutral and ionized phases and hot and cold phases. On scales from a few pc to a few hundred pc, interstellar shells form from stellar winds and supernovae. Galaxy-wide, these processes lead to a matrix of ISM having vastly different physical conditions. Moreover, the formation and evolution of all interstellar structures are subject to influences of the magnetic field.

Once the province of optical and radio observations, the ISM is now observed at all wavelengths, from the ground and from space. At the same time, new theoretical techniques are emerging to study the ISM on small (star-forming) scales and on the galactic scale. In this conference, we will examine closely the recent observational and theoretical studies of diffuse ISM in the Galaxy and in others. The goal is to provide an improved understanding of the nature and evolution of this material.

For four decades, Carl Heiles has played a pioneering role in studies of the diffuse ISM in the Galaxy. His work, primarily observational, has strongly influenced theoretical ideas of the medium. Therefore, it is most fitting to honor Carl, a distinguished researcher and an inspiring professor, with a meeting dedicated to observational and theoretical studies of the diffuse ISM.

Scientific Program

The scientific program will include observational and theoretical discussions of these topics:

• CNM/WNM
• Dust
• HI / H₂ relationship
• WIM
• HIM
• The Galactic Disk/Halo interaction
• The global nature of the diffuse ISM
• Magnetic fields
• SNRs, shells, & supershells

Our plan is to organize coherent sessions, each session will consider one or more of topics listed above. Each session will be guided and organized in advance by a Chair who will consult with session presenters prior to the meeting. In this way, we hope to achieve a more systematic exposition of recent progress and future directions for each topic considered.

Conference Capacity

We can accommodate up to 100 participants. Early interest in this conference has been high. If you have not yet indicated your interest in attending, please let us know soon. Also, if you indicated your interest in attending but your plans have now changed, please let us know.

Deadlines

• Proposed presentation title submission: May 30, 2004
• Early Registration deadline: June 15, 2004