Early-type Dwarf Galaxies: Origin, Evolution, Characteristics

A Ruperto Carola Symposium at the University of Heidelberg
October 18–20, 2010
Internationales Wissenschaftsforum Heidelberg (IWH)

Early-type dwarfs are the most numerous galaxies in dense environments, making them ideal probes of the mechanisms that govern galaxy formation and evolution at both early and late epochs. Their intriguing complexity in structure, stellar content, kinematics, and distribution poses an ongoing challenge to observers and theorists. The 2.5 day symposium aims to bring together experts and interested researchers to discuss our current understanding of early-type dwarf galaxies and envision future projects using new generations of telescopes and supercomputers. The small number of ~40 mostly invited participants and the venue in Heidelberg's old town directly below the castle guarantee a perfect atmosphere for scientific discourse. The symposium is made possible through the Klaus-Georg and Sigrid Hengstberger Young Scientist Award of the Hengstberger Foundation, granted in 2009 to Thorsten Lisker. Additional financial support is kindly provided by the Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics.   Contact: heidelberg2010@x-astro.net Public lecture (in German): Prof. Gerhard Hensler (Univ. Wien): "Das bewegte Leben der Galaxien" Monday October 18, 19:15, HS 13 / Neue Uni