Diffuse Matter in the Galaxy: Observations Confront Theory
A Meeting in Honor of the 65th Birthday of Carl Heiles

GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION

Diffuse interstellar material (ISM) occupies the vast majority of space in our Galaxy and in others. Moreover, it exists in a number of phases, each having very different physical properties. This diversity of physical state results from star formation, stellar energy feedback, and the galactic gravitational and magnetic fields. On scales from a few pc to a few hundred pc, interstellar shells form from stellar winds and supernovae. On the global scale, an interstellar matrix of neutral and ionized, hot and cold phases exists.

To understand diffuse ISM in the Galaxy, it is necessary to study from observational and theoretical perspectives:

• The global structure of the ISM - the production, distribution, and evolution of the multiple phase components
• Interstellar shells - their formation and evolution, and their contribution to the global interstellar structure
• Interstellar magnetic fields - how they influence star formation and dynamical interactions in the ISM.

For four decades, Carl Heiles has played a pioneering role in all these topics. His work, primarily observational, has had an important influence upon our understanding of the diffuse ISM. His work has also helped to shape theoretical ideas of this medium. Therefore, it was 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.

Along with this symposium, the 3rd Galactic ALFA (GALFA) Consortium meeting was held on August 29, 2004. For more information, please visit the GALFA meeting web page.

Timetable and Scientific Program

• Timetable for both the GALFA meeting and the Heiles Symposium (PDF file).
• The Scientific Program of the Heiles Symposium (PDF file).
• The Scientific Presentations of the Heiles Symposium.
• The list of registrants for the Heiles Symposium and/or the 3rd GALFA meeting.