Eta Carinae, LBVs, and
Supernova Impostors

June 19-23, University of Pittsburgh

A five-day workshop which will bring both observational and theoretical researchers together to discuss massive stars, LBVs, and Supernova (SN) Impostors will be held June 19-23, 2017 at the University of Pittsburgh

Register

With the advent of new surveys, many more SN impostors and peculiar SNe are being found. These discoveries are challenging our current understanding of massive star evolution. Some of the questions we intend to address at the workshop are:

Our tentative schedule, intended to maximize discussion at each stage, will devote the first three to four days to massive stars, LBVs and SN impostors in general. The last one to two days will focus more on Eta Carinae, one of the most enigmatic objects in our local group of galaxies and one of the most massive and luminous stars in our galaxy that is conveniently in the LBV stage. Despite extensive investigations we still have many outstanding questions:

The workshop will examine how this massive binary fits into our understanding of these questions and discuss the studies, both theoretical and observational, that are needed as the 2020 periastron event approaches. We will also address what other massive stars, LBVs and SN impostors can and should be studied to provide new insights into massive star evolution.

Registration

As attendance is limited to approximately 35 participants, all attendees must be approved by the Scientific Organizing Committee. If you are interested in attending the workshop or presenting a talk, please send an email to John Hillier at hillier@pitt.edu, with "Pittsburgh Workshop" in the subject line.

Once you receive an approval, you click here to register. There is no registration fee for this workshop.

Lodging

A block of rooms has been reserved at Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place. Please book before 5/21 and use group code ECSI when booking. The hotel is within walking distance of the conference room; the map below shows their locations.

Transportation

To and from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Within Pittsburgh

Port Authority buses are your best option to travel within Pittsburgh. Fare is $2.75 per trip and must be paid with the exact change. If you are planning on using the bus system throughout the week you can purchase a ConnectCard, which can be loaded with a weekly or 10-trip pass or just cash and can be used for on all Port Authority transports. Lyft and Uber are also convenient options in Pittsburgh.

If you are traveling with a car, parking infomation can be found here (Pitt parking) and here (city parking).

Restaurants and attractions

Click here for a PDF map of local restaurants.

Tourist attractions within easy walking distance include the Carnegie museums, Phipps Conservatory, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, and the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. Click here for a PDF map of attractions in the Pittsburgh area, with embedded links to their websites.

Participants

Click here for a list of participants.