ASLI Weekly Meeting

The Universe in Ultraviolet by Jessica Li.  Ultraviolet (UV) light reveals a hidden universe, exposing energetic processes that aren't as easily detected at other wavelengths. It helps us understand how large-scale structures like galaxies form and evolve, as well as the smaller-scale dynamics of gaseous stellar nurseries, stars, and protoplanetary systems. Since Earth’s atmosphere blocks most UV light, we rely on balloon telescopes, sounding rockets, and space-based observatories to study it. Current and upcoming advances in technology continue to help overcome the challenges of UV observation. Additionally, the development of UV polarimetry would open new ways to study magnetic fields and scattered light in protoplanetary disks and stars—key environments for potentially habitable worlds.