Star Crossed: The Science of Cosmic Couples *NEW*

Stars are rarely as solitary as they appear. Many are born with companions, orbiting, interacting, exchanging matter, and sometimes meeting spectacular ends together. We'll explore the fascinating world of binary and interacting star systems, from stars locked in a gravitational dance (like the twin suns of Tatooine) to systems where black holes feed on their stellar companions. Along the way, we'll see how these cosmic partnerships help astronomers understand the nature of stars, extreme astrophysical phenomena, and the universe itself. No previous astronomy experience required, just a curiosity about what happens when stars share the same gravitational neighborhood! Instructor: Swati Ravi