Finding fossils on our doorstep: How modern surveys are driving our understanding of galaxy evolution
Abstract:
Recent years have seen many breakthrough developments in understanding the origins of our galaxy. By looking at the properties of the stars around us we are able to decipher not only the current structure of our galaxy, but also the processes which shaped its evolution. The field of “Galactic Archaeology”, as it has become known, now plays a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of galaxy formation throughout the universe.
Such work can only be undertaken with large and diverse samples of data. My colloquium will review some of the current observational efforts, which are being driven by large multi-national projects. The most significant such survey is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) which, over the past decade, has revolutionised our understanding of this field.
I will discuss a selection of their important results, including my own work on the properties of the Galactic disc and halo. I will conclude my talk by looking at the role China will play in the field of Galactic Archaeology in the near future. Although in the past Chinese researchers have played a supporting role in such projects, the situation will change in the coming decade with projects like LAMOST and TMT. I will give a brief overview of these projects and describe the impact that I believe they will make in the field of Galactic Archaeology.
Contact
