Scientific Rationale:
The workshop on the formation, evolution, and signatures of Super-Massive Stars (SMS) will delve into a crucial aspect of astrophysics, exploring these massive entities that are thought to be precursors to super-massive black holes at the centers of galaxies. Super-massive stars, characterized by their immense mass and radiative pressure, play a pivotal role in galactic dynamics and structure. The workshop will explore the dynamics of these stars, including their hydrostatic equilibrium influenced by radiation pressure and gravitational forces, and the effects of their evolution on the surrounding stellar and gaseous environment.
Additionally, the workshop will examine the broader context of galaxy formation and evolution, particularly the connection between super-massive black holes and their host galaxies. This includes understanding the influence of black holes on galactic structures and star formation, and the effects of galactic mergers on black holes. The role of SMS in these processes is a topic of significant interest, offering insights into early galaxy formation stages and the development of galactic cores.
This workshop aims to bring together recent research and developments in the field, fostering discussions on the theoretical and observational aspects of super-massive stars and their critical role in the larger framework of galaxy formation and evolution.
Organising committee:
Chair: Devesh Nandal
SOC: Prof. Lucio Mayer, Prof. Tyrone E. Woods, Dr. John A. Regan
LOC: Prof. Georges Meynet, Dr. Sylvia Ekström, Dr. Gaël Buldgen, Ms. Sophie Tsiatsiou, Prof. Corinne Charbonnel, Prof. Anastasios Fragkos
