One of the most important puzzles in modern astrophysics is the nature of dark matter. Stellar streams, formed by tidal stripping of the stars from globular clusters or dwarf galaxies, behave as a... Show moreOne of the most important puzzles in modern astrophysics is the nature of dark matter. Stellar streams, formed by tidal stripping of the stars from globular clusters or dwarf galaxies, behave as a group of test particles allowing us to measure the Milky Way’s dark matter content and, therefore, offering us a key to understanding its nature. Open clusters, loosely bound groups of stars that move through the Galaxy together, are, in contrast, an important driver of stellar evolution research. This Thesis presents our studies of these Galactic substructures and the conclusions we can draw on the larger Universe and physics based on these local observations. In chapters 2 - 4, we apply a novel method to map the Milky Way’s dark matter content using stellar streams, taking care to understand the various possible contributors to the systematics. Chapter 5 is dedicated to the study of the Hyades open cluster. Show less
In this thesis we present research on the stellar halo of our Galaxy. In particular we focus on measuring the shape and profile of the stellar halo through photometric techniques and main sequence... Show moreIn this thesis we present research on the stellar halo of our Galaxy. In particular we focus on measuring the shape and profile of the stellar halo through photometric techniques and main sequence turnoff point star counts. We also present a cross-correlation algorithm that can detect stellar overdensities in the halo (streams or satellites) in Colour Magnitude Diagrams with only two photometric filters and no control field. We use this algorithm to characterize different streams and the vicinity of Globular clusters in search for associated stellar populations. Finally we also search for new substructure in the Kilo Degree Survey fields of Data Releases 1 and 2 and find signatures of the major substructures known in the halo. Show less
