Clouds over the Pyrenees

Organizers:

Ó. Jiménez-Arranz (Lund University, Sweden), M. Romero-Gómez (ICCUB, Spain), D. Horta (University of Edinburgh, UK), N. Garavito-Camargo (University of Arizona, EEUU), G. Besla (University of Arizona, EEUU)


As the largest satellite galaxies and closest siblings of the Milky Way, the LMC and SMC have long piqued scientific curiosity. Exploring galaxy formation and evolution in the lower-mass regime is made possible by the comprehensive view of this interacting system. Their linked star formation histories can be deduced thanks to deep photometry, and time-domain studies have found variable star populations that show their three-dimensional structure. When combined with accurate astrometry from Gaia, spectroscopic surveys not only shed light on the chemical abundances of stars but also enable a detailed resolution of the system's internal and global kinematics. According to recent research, the LMC has a significant impact on the Milky Way's gravitational potential and, consequently, on other satellites and streams that orbit the galaxy.

Following the success of the 'XMC: Milky Clouds over Manhattan' (2024) and 'XMC II: Clouds over Yellowstone' (2025), we present the third edition of the series 'XMC III: Clouds over the Pyrenees'. In this workshop, we will continue the discussions and open new conversations on the formation, content, and evolution of the Clouds, and their interactions both with each other, and with the Milky Way. During the workshop, we also intend to discuss theoretical advancements in galactic dynamics and star formation physics, and how to incorporate them into simulations of the Clouds.

This two-week workshop will be limited to 50 participants and it aims to strengthen collaborations among the community and have a space to co-work on projects. It will also include time allocated to contributed talks for all participants. The workshop will be entirely in-person.

List of topics

- Kinematics
- XMC-Milky Way Interaction
- Star Formation History / Abundances
- Gas / HI / Local Volume Mapper
- Variable stars / Binaries
- Globular Clusters
- Stellar Periphery / Substructure
- The Clouds in upcoming surveys

Sponsors

* To be determined.

Call for participation

Abstract submission should be done through here.

* Abstracts files should be 1 page abstract in .pdf format
* The use of graphics in the abstract is optional.
* A complete editable abstract example and guidelines could be downloaded here.
* You have to be registered before abstract submission

Abstract deadline: January 15
Decisions on abstracts will be notified on: March 01

Registration fee information

The registration fee for this conference is 450 eur.

The registration fee includes:

- organised bus transportation (reserve seat in advance)
- one reception buffet
- one coffee break with pastries a day
- use of the Centro de Ciencias facilities
- technical assistance and secretarial support


- The deadline for requesting your registration fee payment bill is 15 Jan 2027

Pay by bank transfer

The registration fee must be paid to the account of the Centro de Ciencias de Benasque Pedro Pascual after your application has been accepted.

Ibercaja (account number): 2085 2310 3803 3004 4193
IBAN: ES44 2085 2310 3803 3004 4193
BIC: CAZRES2Z

Remember that your registration is complete only after the payment is made.

* Please, pay after your application has been accepted.
* Please, send a confirmation by e-mail to info@benasque.org.
* Please pay all bank charges
* Include as a subject in the transfer '2026cop Your_Surname'
* In the comments section include:
      Full name of the conference and your name.

Pay by credit card

Credit card online payments here.

* You have to be registered.
* Please, pay after your application has been accepted.

*Cancellation Policy*
A 30 euro charge will be applied for cancellations made up to 10 days before the conference start date.
A no refund policy will be applied to cancellations made after this date.

Bus transportation

The center provides free buses:
From Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 686, Metro: L3 Palau Reial at 15:00h (Note that the bus stops opposite University of Barcelona, Facultat de Física i Química)

From Barcelona airport ('El Prat', Terminal T2A: on leaving exit, turn left and you will find a police building called 'Mossos d'Esquadra'.
Cross the road using the zebra crossing and turn left. The bus will stop there) at 15:30h.

Return buses:
From Benasque to Barcelona airport and then university, departure at 9:00h.
The trip by bus to Barcelona takes 4-5h. approximately. The trip by car only takes 3h 30m.

Bus trajectories and dates:
- Barcelona-Benasque, Sep 06.
- Benasque-Barcelona, Sep 19.

Registration & accommodation

Application deadline is May 01

Further Information.

  • List of participants.
  • Scientific program.
  • Pictures