[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/SillsAlison.jpg” caption=”Alison Sills”]Ever wondered what would happen if two stars collided? McMaster's own Alison Sills can give you the answers at her Science in the City presentation When Stars Collide, tonight in Rm. 1105 in the Michael DeGroote Center for Learning.

An assistant professor of astronomy since 2001, Sills' research involves generating computer models of stars then reproducing the gravity, heat and pressure of space to simulate a stellar collision. Not all collisions have the same effect: some result in one big star, while others, traveling at fast enough speeds, collide and break off.

Sills is the only theoretical astrophysicist in Canada studying the dynamics of globular clusters and star collisions. This means that she uses simple physics to try to describe things that are going on in the universe.

When asked why she likes her research she says, “I like it because it can be so simple,” then adds, “the most important aspect of my research is to understand the universe, our world.”

In an interview with the Hamilton Spectator Sills notes that star collisions happen fast.

“The interesting part would take about a month. If you use the analogy of a car crash, we don't see the putting on of the brakes or the crash . . . what we see is the debris that's left on the road.”

In her presentation on these close encounters of the stellar kind she hopes that people will get a deeper understanding of what's happening in the universe and in return hopes the audience will better appreciate her field of study.

Sills holds the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) University Faculty Award, a program whose aim is to decrease the under-representation of women and Aboriginal peoples in faculty positions in the natural sciences and engineering.

Please note: the Science in the City lectures are usually held in the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, but tonight's lecture will be held in the Michael DeGroote Center for Learning Room 1105. Doors open at 6:30 p.m and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. The lecture is free and all are welcome. To reserve your seat e-mail sciencecity@mcmaster.ca

Sarah Paul is an NSERC SPARK (Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge) writer for McMaster.