CCA Colloquium: Jorge Moreno

Title: Collective astronomy: lessons from extreme galaxy encounters

Abstract:  The recent discovery of two low-mass galaxies lacking dark matter provoked concerns about the standard cosmological model. This immediately ignited explorations of alternatives to LCDM, including self-interacting dark matter and modified gravity. In the first part of this talk I will show that the standard paradigm can naturally produce galaxies lacking dark matter, with internal characteristics in exquisite agreement with observations. Using FIREbox, a state-of-the-art cosmological simulation, we find that extreme close encounters with massive neighbours can be responsible for this. This distinctive class of galaxies provides an additional layer in understanding how tidal stripping and star formation triggering unfolds under these extreme conditions. But more importantly, these galaxies can also inspire us to organise ourselves in more inclusive ways. In the second part of this talk I will share recent work at the intersection of astronomy, ethnomusicology, pedagogy, mentoring and art. I will introduce you to two concepts: pachamama and astromimicry — which are at the core of collective astronomy: a blueprint for creating more inviting and welcoming communities.