Objective "Models of the Thermally Pulsing Asymptotic Giant Branch (TP-AGB) stellar evolutionary phase play a critical role across astrophysics, from the chemical composition of meteorites belonging to the pre-solar nebula up to galaxy evolution in the high-redshift Universe. In spite of its importance, the modelling of TP-AGB is still affected by large uncertainties that propagate into the field of extragalactic astronomy, degrading the predicting power of current population synthesis models of galaxies. The major goal of this proposal is to remedy this persistent condition of uncertainty and controversy. The solution to the TP-AGB star conundrum will be provided by a new approach, which stands on the optimised integration of a) state-of-the-art theoretical tools to account for the complex physics of TP-AGB stars (evolution, nucleosynthesis, pulsation, winds, dust formation, etc.), and b) exceptionally high-quality observations of resolved TP-AGB stellar populations in stars clusters and nearby galaxies (Magellanic Clouds, M31, dwarf galaxies up to 4 Mpc) with reliable measurements of their star formation histories. We will adopt a global calibration method, in which TP-AGB evolution models are required to simultaneously reproduce a set of well-defined observational constraints (distributions of luminosities, colours, pulsation periods, dust mass-loss rates, expansion velocities of dusty envelopes, etc.). This project will deepen our understanding of TP-AGB physics profoundly, and provide wide-spread community benefits as well. We will publicly release well-tested and reliable ``TP-AGB products'', including stellar tracks, isochrones in all photometric systems, and chemical yields for both gas and dust. Eventually these products will be embedded in the stellar population synthesis models that are routinely used to analyse the integrated galaxy observables that probe the extragalactic Universe." Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyextragalactic astronomynatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesmeteoritesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyphysical cosmologygalaxy evolutionnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomy Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-CG-2013-PE9 - ERC Consolidator Grant - Universe Sciences Call for proposal ERC-2013-CoG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-CG - ERC Consolidator Grants Host institution UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA EU contribution € 1 930 628,00 Address VIA 8 FEBBRAIO 2 35122 Padova Italy See on map Region Nord-Est Veneto Padova Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Paolo Rando (Dr.) Principal investigator Paola Marigo (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA Italy EU contribution € 1 930 628,00 Address VIA 8 FEBBRAIO 2 35122 Padova See on map Region Nord-Est Veneto Padova Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Paolo Rando (Dr.) Principal investigator Paola Marigo (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data