Title: Dancing with the Stars: Next-Generation Models of Binary Star Systems

Speaker: Meng Sun (CIERA, Northwestern University)

Abstract: Stars are fundamental to astrophysics, with approximately half existing in binary systems. Understanding the evolution of these binaries is crucial for explaining many astrophysical phenomena, ranging from the orbital decay in exoplanetary systems to the existence of blue straggler stars to the diversity of explosive transients, including black-hole and neutron-star mergers. Modeling these observables requires state-of-the-art approaches to simulate stars and their interactions. In this presentation, I delve into how large populations of binary stars are modeled within the using some of the most detailed modeling tools available. These techniques will enable us to interpret observations, and ultimately understand the complex dance of binary star systems.

Biography: Dr. Meng Sun is a postdoc at the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA), Northwestern University. She completed her undergraduate studies in Physics at Sichuan University and received her Ph.D degree in Astronomy from the University of Virginia. Her thesis focused on pulsating white dwarfs and tidal orbital decay in binaries. Additionally, she specializes in stellar astrophysics, contributing to a variety of projects covering diverse topics, including exoplanets, massive stars, young stars, and evolved stars, as well as compact objects.

Zoom: https://huji.zoom.us/j/86991266018?pwd=UWRmWDhGM3NudnhHVUJXdmQ4RnFTZz09

Meeting ID: 869 9126 6018

Passcode: 537391

Contact: Zhaozhou Li