CAS Monthly Meeting

The Asteroid Impact Threat

Presented by Dr. Roger Chevalier

Roger Chevalier is the W. H. Vanderbilt Professor of Astronomy at the University of Virginia. After obtaining his Ph.D from Princeton University in 1973, he joined the scientific staff of Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson AZ. While at Kitt Peak, he undertook observations of Cas A with Bob Kirshner, showing the heavy element inhomogeneity of the remnant. He moved to the University of Virginia in 1979. His research has centered on theoretical studies of rapidly expanding astronomical sources, including supernovae, supernova remnants, gamma-ray bursts, pulsar wind nebulae, and galactic superwinds. His honors include Virginia’s Outstanding Scientist Award (1991), the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics (1996), and membership in the National Academy of Sciences. Like Rob Fesen, astronomy captured his imagination from an early age.