Star clusters (IAU S266): basic galactic building blocks throughout time and space

Star clusters are important to many areas of astronomy, and as the basic building blocks of galaxies, they can be used as key diagnostic tools within a wide range of disciplines in astrophysics. Star cluster populations are powerful tracers of the formation, assembly and evolutionary history of their parent galaxies. Although their importance has been recognised for decades, only in recent years has this area seen a major investment in time and effort. IAU Symposium 266 consolidates the expertise of leading researchers from a variety of topical subfields in astrophysics, to provide a comprehensive presentation of cutting-edge developments in theory, observations and simulations of star clusters and star cluster systems across a range of sizes and epochs. This volume gives an account of this forefront research, answering fundamental questions that will improve our understanding of numerous related issues and show how this field will take its next major step forward. INDICE: Preface; 1. Physics and modes of star cluster formation; 2. Massive star clusters: formation, evolution, feedback and destruction; 3. Star cluster systems; 4. Globular cluster chemical evolution; 5. Multiwavelength observations; 6. Cluster dynamics; 7. Star clusters as laboratories for stellar evolution; Symposium summary; Poster papers; Author index; Subject index; Object index.

• ISBN: 978-0-521-76499-5
• Editorial: Cambridge University
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 594
• Fecha Publicación: 04/02/2010
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés