Dr. Daniele Bjørn Malesani (DAWN/NBI and Radboud Univ.)
2 October 2025
11:30, Aula Piazzi
Abstract:
Gamma-ray bursts fascinate astronomers both for their astounding power and as effective cosmological probes. Spectroscopy of their bright optical counterparts allows to analyse the interstellar and circumgalactic medium of high-redshift star-forming galaxies, testing their gas, metals, dust, and molecular content. At the same time, also thanks to a new suite of instruments, we have been discovering a richer diversity of progenitor systems – with the two main players being collapsing massive stars and binary compact object mergers. I will highlight the recent progress and surprises in the field achieved via the “Stargate” program at the VLT.