Steward Observatory Special Colloquium: The Next Generation of Stellar Astrophysics

Abstract: Stars play a critical role throughout our Universe via galactic chemical evolution, compact object formation, and stellar feedback. Computational models of stars have progressed over the decades in concert with astrophysical observations to advance our understanding of stellar evolution and transient phenomena. These models have benefitted from new observational campaigns, nuclear physics experiments, and computational and technological advancements. However, despite these advancements, there are long-standing challenges among stellar models that require novel approaches. I will discuss my work leveraging one-dimensional (1D) stellar models, 3D stellar convection simulations, and models of stellar transients to move us towards the next generation of stellar astrophysics. I will highlight my approach to connecting 1D stellar models to astrophysical observations and in leveraging constraints from experimental nuclear physics data. Following this, I will discuss my novel approach to modeling late-time stellar convection and the implications for nucleosynthetic observables, mixing and transport in stellar interiors, and the properties of compact objects. Lastly, I highlight the need for novel approaches to modeling stellar transients to bring simulation results in agreement with observation. In particular, I will show that realistic progenitor models can alleviate long-standing challenges in the field and have an impact of the predicted multi-messenger signals relevant to current and next-generation neutrino and gravitational wave detectors.