Workshop scientific rationale

Multiple (i.e. triple, and higher order) stellar systems comprise a significant fraction of stellar populations. Their role in stellar physics has not yet been fully recognized. Stars of some specific types can originate only in multiple systems. An interplay between tides, nuclear evolution and dynamics is a rich field of contemporary research. The growing observational data on multiple systems is used to critically examine modern concepts of stellar evolution.

The ESO workshop will bring together observers using different techniques (e.g. spectroscopy, high angular resolution imaging), from X-rays to far-IR, on ground-based single telescopes or interferometers, and on space observatories. The combination of techniques is vital for comprehensive studies of multiple stars that span a wide range of angular separations and stellar types. The current state of observational and theoretical knowledge will be reviewed. Priorities for future studies will be identified, so as to provide the necessary input for further progress in the understanding of the genesis of multiple stars, their structure and their role for the study of stellar evolution.

The meeting format (3.5 days) will allow to host invited talks, contributed talks and posters. The proceedings will be published in the ESO Conference series.

The number of participants is limited to 100.

Topics to be covered:

Observations of multiple stars: ground-based and space Dynamical and stellar evolution in multiple systems The effects of the environment: multiple stars in clusters and in the field Formation and early evolution of multiple stars Special components of multiple stars (chemically peculiar stars, blue stragglers, brown dwarfs, etc.)
	Triple system Eta Virginis

Scientific Organizing Committee:

S. Hubrig (co-chair), A. Tokovinin (co-chair), J. Bouvier, L.M. Close, P.P. Eggleton, R.F. Griffin, W.I. Hartkopf, Ch. Leinert, M. Petr-Gotzens, M. Sterzik, S. Udry

Local Organizing Committee:

Ch. Stoffer, P. Bristow, A. Kellerer, M. Petr-Gotzens

E-mail:  ms2005@eso.org