SEPnet/STAG workshop on X-ray binaries in the Magellanic Clouds: star birth to star death Event

Motivation

Since their discovery 50 years ago, X-ray binaries have been traditionally studied by rather different communities. While X-ray astronomers are deeply involved in studies of compact objects and accretion processes, the stellar astronomers are mainly interested in the donor star properties. Moreover, the different types of X-ray binary are usually studied as separate classes. Whilst there has been numerous specialised conferences addressing in depth the various separate aspects of X-ray binary astrophysics, there have been few “holistic” opportunities. In this meeting will be looking to combine star formation issues with high energy observations in the Magellanic Clouds (especially those arising from new X-ray observations). These new observations highlight the large number of neutron star & black hole binaries that are being discovered from current work and the implications for recent star formation probably driven by tidal interactions between the two Magellanic Clouds. Tangled up in this, is the fact that the elemental abundance (the metalicity) of the SMC in particular is very much lower than the Milky Way. So this one-day meeting will be an opportunity to explore scientific synergy between the star formation community and the high energy astrophysics people.

Registration

There is no registration fee.  Registration is closed.  Please contact Malcolm Coe <m.j.coe@soton.ac.uk> if you wish to attend.

Travel information

The workshop will be held in the seminar room (5081) in the Physics & Astronomy building (building 46) of the Highfield Campus, the main University of Southampton campus. Southampton is conveniently reached from Southampton airport, as well as the London airports (including Heathrow and Gatwick). Detailed travel information and maps are available here. Note that Unilink U1 buses to campus, from both Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway, run about every 7-8 minutes. From Southampton airport or the central train station, a taxi ride should cost around £10.

Accommodation

Participants are asked to arrange their own accommodations. A nearby hotel is Highfield House Hotel at the rate of approximately £100/night (approx 120 euro/night).

 

Participant list

Local organising committee

• Malcolm Coe (chair)
• Diego Altamirano
• Tony Bird
• Poshak Gandhi
• Wynn Ho