Stellar Dynamics
The structure and evolution of the stellar components of the Milky Way and other galaxies are analyzed with analytical and numerical methods. Special emphasis is placed on fundamental topics like the stability of discs, dynamical friction and relaxation. Planet formation, the evolution of star clusters, galactic nuclei, super-massive black holes, and formation and interaction of galaxies are investigated using numerical simulations on powerful special purpose computers.
Planetary Systems
- Formation of planets (R. Spurzem)
- Planetary systems in star clusters (R. Spurzem)
Star Clusters
- Rotating globular clusters (R. Spurzem)
- Formation and Evolution of open clusters (R. Spurzem)
- Star clusters in the galactic centre (A. Just, R. Spurzem)
Black Holes
- BH growth and dynamics in galactic nuclei (R. Spurzem, A. Just)
- Interaction of the central accretion disc and the stellar cusp (A. Just, R. Spurzem)
- Multiple BHs (R. Spurzem)
- Gravitational wave emission (R. Spurzem)
Galactic Discs
- Density wave theory of spiral arms (B. Fuchs)
- Dynamical stability and evolution of discs (B. Fuchs, C. Dettbarn)
- Dynamical heating of galactic discs (A. Just)
Dwarf Galaxies
- Theory of dynamical friction (A. Just)
- Orbits of satellite galaxies (A. Just, R. Spurzem)
- Inner structure and evolution of dwarf galaxies (R. Spurzem, E. Grebel)
