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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)