Explosive Aftermaths of Stars

Research

My research interests are concentrated on studies of supernova remnants (SNRs), young neutron stars, and pulsar wind nebulae. Of particular interest are studies of the evolutionary states of SNRs, the acceleration of cosmic rays by SNR shocks, the ionization and temperature equilibrium properties of shocked plasmas in SNRs, and the determination of ejecta abundances for comparison with nucleosynthesis models. Neutron star work includes studies of their cooling properties to provide constraints on the physics of matter at ultrahigh density, the structure and evolution of the wind nebulae produced by pulsars, and the demographics of the young neutron star population.

I pursue these research efforts through a broad range of multiwavelength observations and modeling efforts, using telescopes and data from across the electromagnetic spectrum, and working with scientific colleagues from around the globe.

NASA Great Observatory

Chandra X-Ray Observatory

The Chandra X-ray Observatory is the third of NASA's four Great Observatories, and premier X-ray facility. Chandra was launched on the Space Shuttle Columbia on 23 July 1999. The Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), managed and operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, is responsible for soliciting observing proposals, providing user support, conducting mission planning and operations, and providing data and analysis tools to the scientific community.

The Chandra project is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, in coordination with the Astrophysics Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. In my role as Director of the Chandra X-ray Center I work with an exceptional team of scientists, engineers, and technical and administrative specialists to maximize the scientific return of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and advise the research community and NASA on matters concerning the application of X-ray astronomy to the solution of significant astrophysical questions.

Students | Teachers | Public

Education & Outreach

My undergraduate training was in secondary education, and I spent four years teaching high school physics and astronomy. Following graduate school, I have continued to remain involved in education and outreach projects including public lectures, school visits, products for science enrichment at the elementary and middle school level, and assorted podcasts and film interviews. In addition, I am actively involved in supervising research work with undergraduate and graduate students.

Who Is Pat Slane?

About Me

I am a Senior Astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, where I act as Director for the Chandra X-ray Center. My research centers on high energy astrophysics, with particular concentration on the aftermath of massive stellar explosions. I am also involved in a variety of education outreach activities to bring science topics to schools and the public. When not (or while) doing astronomy, I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, photography, and music.