Stars are primarily formed in clustered environments in giant molecular clouds. Stars are also primarily found in binary or higher order multiple systems. This hierarchy of binaries inside clusters, particularly at early times, means that binary systems interact with other stars from the first moments of their life. Both the binaries and the cluster will be changed as a result of these encounters. Taking the effects of stellar dynamics and binary interactions into account is an important component to furthering our understanding of the formation and evolution of the stellar content of clusters. I will discuss results from simulations of star cluster formation and binary evolution, and will touch on the implications for cluster formation and the multiple populations problem in globular clusters. 

Speaker: Alison Sills (McMaster University)

The 2025 Spring Colloquium talks are held on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM. This colloquium is hosted by STScI and will be held as an in-person and virtual event.

You may join in person at STScI’s John N. Bahcall Auditorium or virtually on STScI's Live Science Events Facebook page.

Please direct questions or comments to contact above. The 2025 Spring Colloquium Committee members are: Nestor Espinoza (STScI), Joel Green (STScI), Nick Indriolo (STScI), Elena Manjavacas (STScI), Namrata Roy (JHU), Kevin Schlaufman (JHU), Ethan Vishniac (JHU).