Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar Explores "Frankenstein Stars"

Associate Professor Ken Gayley of the University of Iowa to discuss how binary interactions reshape many of the stars we see in the night sky.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The upcoming Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar at the University of Iowa will feature a presentation by Associate Professor Ken Gayley on the topic of "The Frankenstein Stars of the Night Sky: Why Some of the Brightest Ones Are Not Like We Picture Them." Gayley will discuss how many of the stars we observe are fundamentally reshaped by binary interactions, challenging the traditional view of stars as isolated, spherical objects.

Why it matters

This seminar provides an opportunity for the public and scientific community to learn about new research that is reshaping our understanding of stellar evolution and the nature of the stars we observe in the night sky. Gayley's work highlights how binary systems play a crucial role in the life cycles of many stars, a finding that has broad implications for astrophysics and space science.

The details

Gayley's presentation will explore how most types of supernovae actually involve stellar binarity, and how these binary interactions can dramatically alter the appearance and evolution of stars. He will argue that we may need to rethink many of our assumptions about how stars form, live, and die, as the "Frankenstein" nature of binary star systems challenges the classic model of isolated, spherical stars.

  • The seminar will take place on February 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM CST.

The players

Ken Gayley

Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Iowa, where he specializes in astrophysics and stellar evolution.

University of Iowa

A public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, known for its strong programs in physics, astronomy, and other STEM fields.

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What they’re saying

“We may have to rethink a lot about how we picture stars, as well as how, like Frankenstein monsters, they contribute their parts to each other after they die.”

— Ken Gayley, Associate Professor (uiowa.edu)

What’s next

The seminar is open to the public and will be available virtually via Zoom. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend and can request reasonable accommodations from the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

The takeaway

This seminar highlights how cutting-edge research is challenging our traditional understanding of stellar evolution, revealing the complex and often surprising ways that stars interact and evolve, particularly in binary systems. Attending this event provides an opportunity to learn about these new discoveries and their broader implications for our knowledge of the universe.