The fifth “RR Lyrae and Cepheid Meeting,” a global astronomy conference dedicated to variable star research, will be held in Marrakech from November 24 to 30, the first time ever in Africa.
Sponsored by Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) and the Oukaimeden Observatory, the conference focuses on the study of stars known as RR Lyrae and Cepheid, which are vital for understanding cosmic distances and the structure of the universe.
RR Lyrae and Cepheid stars are two distinct types of pulsating variable stars critical to our understanding of the universe. RR Lyrae stars are old, low-mass stars found in globular clusters and the halo of the Milky Way. They are characterized by short pulsation periods, typically less than one day, and are used as standard candles for measuring distances within our galaxy due to their well-defined absolute magnitudes. In contrast, Cepheid stars are young, massive stars with pulsation periods ranging from 1 to 100 days. Their period-luminosity relationship enables astronomers to calculate distances to nearby galaxies and beyond, playing a pivotal role in establishing the cosmic distance scale and measuring the Hubble constant. Together, these stars provide essential tools for mapping the structure of the universe and understanding its expansion.
The gathering will bring together theorists and scientific researchers from across the globe to present their latest research. The #meeting is also intended to promote astronomy in Africa by fostering collaboration and giving scientists the opportunity to share expertise with other researchers, helping to position the continent as a growing hub in the field of astronomy.
The program will feature public lectures by renowned astrophysicists, including Nobel laureate Adam Riess, who will discuss findings from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Other notable speakers include Kathy Vivas from Yale University and Rachael Beaton from Princeton University.
In addition to academic sessions, the conference includes outreach activities aimed at encouraging STEM education among young people.
Participating astronomers will visit local schools and organizations, such as Dar Taliba in Marrakech, to promote science education for rural girls and students from disadvantaged communities.