Seminar
A stellar census in globular clusters with MUSE
Abstract
We are currently conducting a survey of 25 Galactic globular clusters with MUSE, the panoramic integral-field spectrograph at the ESO VLT.
Although the observations are still ongoing, we already secured about one million spectra for more than 300000 individual stars. This is possible thanks to a novel method for the optimal extraction of stellar spectra, which in combination with MUSE provides unique multiplexing capabilities in crowded stellar fields.
In my talk, I want to highlight some of the science cases that we pursue with the MUSE data. I will put emphasis on the internal dynamics of the clusters. They are for example key to answer the question whether massive black holes reside in the centres of some clusters. Such intermediate-mass black holes would bridge the gap from stellar-mass black holes to the supermassive ones found in the bulges of galaxies. I will also touch upon other science cases, such as binary studies, chemical analyses, or the search for peculiar stars.
About the talk
University of Göttingen
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About the speaker
Employment & Education
2013-2016: PostDoc (ongoing), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
2013: PhD thesis, Leibniz-Institute for Astrophysics (AIP) & University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany, Title: “Crowded field 3D spectroscopy and the search for intermediate-mass black holes in globular clusters”, Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Lutz Wisotzki. Grade: summa cum laude
2009-2013: PhD studies, Leibniz-Institute for Astrophysics (AIP) & University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
2003-2009: Course of studies “Diplom-Physik”, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany, Grade: 1.0 (“With Distinction”).
Diploma Thesis on “Observing Quasars with Adaptive Optics”, Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Lutz Wisotzki
Awards
2009: Outstanding student award, Wilhelm und Else Heraeus Stiftung, Hanau, Germany.
Scientific interests
- Dynamics of dense stellar systems with an emphasis on globular clusters
- Search for intermediate-mass black holes
- Binary fractions in globular clusters
- Integral field spectroscopy of crowded stellar fields
- Participation in instrumentation projects such as MUSE