Population Synthesis at the Crossroads

Details Population Synthesis at the Crossroads Population Synthesis at the Crossroads

2011-11-22

arxiv.org/abs/1111.5204v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

Review talk, IAU Symp. 284, The Spectral Energy Distribution of Galaxies, Preston (UK), September 2011, eds. R. J. Tuffs and C

Scientific paper

The current state-of-the-art of population synthesis is reviewed. The field is currently undergoing major revisions with the recognition of several key processes as new critical ingredients. Stochastic effects can artificially enhance or suppress certain evolutionary phases and/or stellar mass regimes and introduce systematic biases in, e.g., the determination of the stellar initial mass function. Post-main-sequence evolution is often associated with irregular variations of stellar properties on ultra-short time-scales. Examples are asymptotic giant branch stars and luminous blue variables, both of which are poorly treated in the models. Stars rarely form in isolation, and the fraction of truly single stars may be very small. Therefore, stellar multiplicity must be accounted for since many systems will develop tidal interaction over the course of their evolution. Last but not least, stellar rotation can drastically increase stellar temperatures and luminosities, which in turn leads to revised mass-to-light ratios in population synthesis models.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Population Synthesis at the Crossroads does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Population Synthesis at the Crossroads, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Population Synthesis at the Crossroads will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-553488