A detailed investigation of multiple populations in Milky Way globular clusters

The so called "multiple populations problem" of globular clusters, is something as unusual as a "clean" experiment in astronomy, with a large number of different undisturbed objects with a diversity in the relevant parameters to study.

Since the problem´s solution would have huge implications for diverse fields of astrophysics, it has attracted great attention for several years, with many high-impact publications and discoveries. However, all explanations for the existence of multiple populations in globular clusters have failed.

What all three reviews of this field during the last years (2018, 2019, 2022) agree on, is that what is needed is a large, homogeneously analyzed dataset of abundances in globular cluster stars to test the different theories against.In this project, we bring together the expertise, exquisite dataset, novel methodology, and equipment needed to provide this dataset that finally will put this problem to rest.The PI has the main responsibility for the data and analysis, and D´Orazi (Rome) with her expertise in globular clusters, will provide imperative insight when it comes to interpreting the results.

A new PhD-student will also be involved and supply some much needed work-power.