Universität Wien

280540 VU Binary stars and multiple star systems (2025S)

2.00 ECTS (1.00 SWS), SPL 28 - Erdwissenschaften, Meteorologie - Geophysik und
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 25.06. 16:45-18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 05.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 19.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 26.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 02.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 09.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 30.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 07.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 14.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 21.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 28.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 04.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 11.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Wednesday 18.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The variety in multiple star systems is nearly as rich as in the galaxy’s stellar population. These pairs can differ significantly in mass, metallicity, and age. Some binary partners evolve rapidly into red giants or supergiant stars, while their low-mass companions remain stable. Binary systems can also host orbiting planets. And from our viewpoint on Earth, some binary stars stage their eclipses. Eclipses are scientifically valuable because observing changes in light as one star passes in front of the other can reveal their masses, diameters, precise orbits, and even compositions. Pairs of neutron stars can spiral together and collide, producing some of the universe’s heavy elements.

In this course, we will study the following topics:
- Classification
- Statistics
- Formation and evolution
- Photometric and spectroscopic observations
- Planets in multiple systems
- Orbital and astrophysical parameter determinations
- Multiple systems and the Gaia database
- Testing theories (including MOND) with multiple systems
- Symbiotic, X-ray and high-mass binaries

Assessment and permitted materials

Participation, attendance, and a short presentation

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Active participation in at least 50% of the classes, short presentations, and successful participation in the discussion round at the end of the course.

Examination topics

Discussion round about the lecture's content.

Reading list

The literature will be given at the specific lectures.

Association in the course directory

VAF; PM-Astr;

Last modified: Tu 04.03.2025 13:27