Formation and Evolution of Galaxy Bulges (IAU S245)

Bulges lie at the heart of most galaxies, the building blocks of our universe. With a selection of reviews and topical presentations, IAU Symposium 245 provides an up-to-date overview of our knowledge on galaxy bulges, and a concise introduction to all current research on the subject. The structure, dynamics, and stellar populations of galaxy bulges, both near and far, are analysed through state-of-the-art observations. The leading models for the formation and evolution of galaxy bulges are described in detail, and the constraints observations put on these are dissected. Particular emphasis is placed on exploring evidence for both hierarchical merging and secular processes. Special attention is also devoted to disentangling the complex web relating galaxy bulges and central supermassive black holes, and on the lessons learned from our exquisite knowledge of the bulge of our own Milky Way. This volume is the best one-stop reference on galaxy bulges currently available.

Spis treści:
Preface
Organising committee
Symposium photograph
Symposium participants
Part I. Formation and Evolution of Bulges
1. Bulge models Martin Bureau
2. Bulges and hierarchical formation Chanda Jog
3. Bulges and secular evolution Ronald Buta
Part II. Star Formation and Nuclear Activity
4. Star formation and gaseous flows Joseph Shields
5. Black holes and nuclear activity Evgeny Polyachenko
Part III. Stellar Populations
6. Integrated Stellar Populations Maren Hempel
7. Resolved Stellar Populations Walter Maciel
Part IV. Distant Bulges and Large Surveys
8. Surveys Jochen Liske
9. High-z universe Martin Bureau
Author index.