Massive stars in the era of large spectroscopic surveys: The MEIGAS project
S. R. Berlanas
TL;DR
The MEIGAS project targets the major open question of whether the rotational properties of massive OB stars — captured by the distribution of $v \sin i$ — are universal or environment-dependent. By combining multi-wavelength spectroscopy with Gaia astrometry and data from WEAVE and 4MOST, MEIGAS aims to empirically constrain rotation, binarity and mass loss across diverse star-forming environments, including the Milky Way, Cygnus-X, Carina, and the LMC/SMC. A core objective is to quantify the frequencies of different evolutionary channels and to test metallicity effects, informing population synthesis models. The work promises to yield robust benchmarks for star-formation theories and for modeling galaxy evolution using realistic massive-star populations.
Abstract
In the era of large spectroscopic surveys, a vast amount of spectra of massive stars will be gathered and supplemented by the wealth of astrometric and photometric data provided by the Gaia satellite. Released data will mean a major step forward in the study of massive stars, giving us the chance to create statistically significant samples to explore the role of almost any parameter. In this contribution, I introduce to the community the Multi-wavelength Exploration of massIve star-forminG regions and ASsociations project (MEIGAS) and long-term plans for conducting comprehensive studies in the major galactic and near extragalactic star-forming regions and OB associations. Benefiting from current and forthcoming data from large scale spectroscopic surveys such as WEAVE and 4MOST (among others), as well as complementary observations at different wavelength ranges, the project aims to achieve crucial and complementary information to adequately characterize these regions and their stellar content, something imperative to improve our understanding of star formation and poorly known evolutionary pathways of massive stars.