The CoRoT and Kepler Revolution in Stellar Variability Studies

Abstract

Space-based observations of variable stars have revolutionized the field of variability studies. Dedicated satellites such as the CoRoT and Kepler missions have duty cycles which are unachievable from the ground, and effectively solve many of the aliasing problems prevalent in ground-based observation campaigns. Moreover, the location above the Earth's atmosphere eliminates a major source of scatter prevalent in observations from the ground. These two major improvements in instrumentation have triggered significant increases in our knowledge of the stars, but in order to reap the full benefits they are also obliging the community to adopt more efficient techniques for handling, analysing and interpreting the vast amounts of new, high-precision data in an effective yet comprehensive manner. This workshop heard an outline of the history and development of asteroseismology, and descriptions of the two space missions (CoRoT and Kepler) which have been foremost in accelerating those recent developments. Informal discussions on numerous points peppered the proceedings, and involved the whole audience at times. The conclusions which the workshop reached have been distilled into a list of seven recommendations (Section 5) for the asteroseismology community to study and absorb. In fact, while addressing activities (such as stellar classification or analysing and modelling light curves) that could be regarded as specific to the community in question, the recommendations include advice on matters such as improving communication, incorporating trans-disciplinary knowledge and involving the non-scientific public that are broad enough to serve as guidelines for the astrophysical community at large.