July 11-15, 2011
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Abstract

LBV nebulae as tracers of stellar instabilities

Kerstin Weis (Astronomisches Institut, Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum)

During their life massive stars may enter a variable, instable phase as they turn into Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) stars. LBVs are characterized by their photometric and spectroscopic variability as well as strong stellar winds which in some cases are accompanied by energetic eruptions. A consequence of the larger mass loss and wind-wind interactions are small circumstellar nebulae around LBVs. Analysis of these nebulae can be used to learn more about the underlying physics of the instability present in the stars. Here an overview of our current knowledge of LBVs, in particular their nebulae, will be given as well as a comparison with nebulae formed during the Wolf-Rayet phase. In this context the role which stellar rotation and the stellar environment plays will also be addressed.
(to be confirmed by the SOC)