Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Colloquium: Small but Mighty: Young Massive Star Clusters in Nearby Starburst Galaxies | Events

March 12, 2026 - 04:02

The immense power of compact, young star clusters in driving the evolution of galaxies will be the focus of an upcoming astrophysics colloquium. Dr. Rebecca Levy from the Space Telescope Science Institute will present her research on these "small but mighty" cosmic engines within nearby starburst galaxies.

In extreme starburst systems, most new stars form within dense, young massive star clusters (YMCs). The energy and material these clusters eject—a process known as feedback—fundamentally shapes their own development and dramatically alters their galactic surroundings. This feedback regulates how efficiently stars form within the cluster itself, molds the complex interstellar medium, and can drive massive galactic winds.

Dr. Levy will share multiwavelength observations focusing on two iconic starburst galaxies: NGC253 and M82. In NGC253, gas funnels toward the galaxy's core, igniting a furious burst of star formation. The youngest YMCs here are still shrouded in dust, visible only with advanced telescopes like ALMA and JWST, yet their feedback is already profoundly powerful. Meanwhile, M82 exhibits a spectacular galaxy-wide superwind, launched by its intense starburst activity. Dr. Levy will present a catalog of roughly 1,100 young massive star cluster candidates in M82's core and reveal new findings from recent James Webb Space Telescope observations of its dramatic wind.

Dr. Rebecca Levy is a Postdoctoral Fellow whose research utilizes multiwavelength data to study young massive star clusters, stellar feedback, and interstellar gas dynamics in nearby galaxies. The presentation is intended for a broad audience and welcomes all who are interested in the dynamic processes of cosmic star formation.