With the advent of photometric space missions such as MOST, CoRoT and Kepler, our knowledge of stars has improved significantly. However, regardless of the quality of the photometric data, spectroscopic ground-based follow-up campaigns are necessary for detailed asteroseismology. Whether dealing with binary or planetary systems, stellar activity, magnetic fields, convection or pulsation, a spectrum can provide a multitude of information. To study and understand stellar physics, the knowledge of basic parameters such as Teff and log g, atmospheric abundances and projected rotational velocities are imperative.

So far, huge efforts resulted in a large amount of spectroscopic data for a considerable number of Kepler targets. High as well as low-resolution spectra await analyses, but unfortunately manpower is very limited.

With this workshop we aim to teach and train 30 students with basic knowledge on stellar atmospheres how to determine the above mentioned parameters. We have several lecturers who will first introduce the topics and address important issues related to stellar atmospheres. The second but most important part of this workshop will be hands-on exercises. We will use SPECTRUM*  to determine the basic parameters and then compare and discuss the results with all participants.

* http://www.appstate.edu/~grayro/spectrum/spectrum.html 

During this workshop the emphasis will be on A and early F type stars. However, many procedures used to analyse this type of stars can also be applied for solar-like or hotter stars. There are many reasons for concentrating on the intermediate mass stars on the main sequence, one being their diversity in terms of atmospheric chemical abundances, pulsational behaviour and rotation which makes them ideal teaching objects. Another, maybe less obvious reason, is to bring and motivate a young generation to work on this type of stars and try to maximise the output from the Kepler data. Main sequence A and F type stars are very complex objects and therefore very valuable astrophysical laboratories.

Requirements:

This workshop is open to everyone with basic knowledge of spectroscopy and/or stellar atmospheres. Please fill in the form provided under "Registration" and tell us briefly about your experiences (e.g. course on stellar atmospheres). Among those who fulfill the requirements we decide on a first-come first-served basis. You will be notified on 24 February 2014. The final registration will be only after this date. 

REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LAPTOP AS THIS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY THE WORKSHOP.