Topic: galactic history

This workshop examines white-dwarf binaries as probes of stellar evolution, Galactic history and explosive transients. Observations and population modelling will address common-envelope evolution, angular-momentum loss, possible Type Ia supernova pathways and compact systems relevant to LISA. Participants will consider how Gaia, wide-field spectroscopy, time-domain surveys and new ESO instruments can constrain these mechanisms and connect binary populations with chemical enrichment and star formation. Registration fees apply.

Globular clusters contain vast numbers of gravitationally bound stars and preserve evidence of galactic history. This seminar explains why their observed stellar populations are more complex than older single-population models suggested. It also considers what Milky Way clusters reveal about galaxy assembly and the distribution of ordinary and dark matter.