It is not an exaggeration to state that galactic ecosystems have spawned pretty much everything that we hold dear – including ourselves. These nebular nurseries have incubated all the stars, planetary systems, and many of the complex molecules known to humanity. In my presentation, I will introduce galactic ecosystems of varying size and what they can tell us about our cosmic origins. A new book on this subject has been published by Springer-Nature ... https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-17258-7. It is suitable for astronomy enthusiasts, including high-school and college students,

Biography:

William H. Waller (Bill) is an astronomer, science educator and communicator based in Rockport, Massachusetts. His research focus is exploring the causes and consequences of starburst activity in nearby galaxies. He has worked with NASA on several space science research missions and educational outreach programs. He continues to teach and mentor students in both high-school and collegiate settings. Bill has authored more than five general-interest books on astronomy, including the latest that is introduced as part of this presentation.