Thomas Lebzelter
Universität Wien
 

"Evolved Stars in Stellar Clusters"
 

Stellar Clusters turned out to be an ideal test bed for understanding late stages of stellar evolution of low and intermediate mass stars by providing samples of targets well defined in mass (age) and metallicity.  In this talk I will focus on stars on the Asymptotic Giant Branch.  They play a key role in the cosmic matter cycle by enriching the ISM with a variety of heavy elements.  Two of the key processes involved -mixing and mass loss- will be explored by presenting observations from the optical to the mid-infrared range.  Comparing our findings with predictions from stellar evolution calculations will allow us to set constraints on the modeling of this decisive phase in the life of a star.