We propose to use the last Spitzer observing cycle to increase the sample of hidden post-AGB stars with mid-infrared spectroscopy. We selected predominantly GLIMPSE selected obscured objects tentatively identified as stars which have just abandoned the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) and are now evolving to the planetary nebula (PN) stage. They are

Context: Unevolved metal-poor stars constitute a fossil record of the early Galaxy, and can provide invaluable information on the properties of the first generations of stars. Binary systems also provide direct information on the stellar masses of their member stars. Aims: The purpose of this investigation is a detailed abundance study of the

Aims:Our objective is to elucidate the physical process that causes the observed observed-minus-calculated (O-C) behavior in the M4.5/M4.5 binary CM Dra and to test for any evidence of a third body around the CM Dra system. Methods: New eclipse minimum timings of CM Dra were obtained between the years 2000 and 2007. The O-C times of the system are

Planetary nebulae (PNe) are ideal probes of dust formation and evolution in low- and intermediate- mass stars. The analysis of dust emission in the 5 to 40 micron range, however, has concentrated mainly on a relatively small number of nearby Galactic PNe. The analysis has been recently extended to fainter sources located in the direction of the

R Coronae Borealis stars (RCBs) provide an unique circumstellar environment that is hydrogen-deficient, helium-rich and carbon-rich in which dust condensation occurs. Litle is known about how and where the dust condensation process, compositions of the dust, and the trigger for dust formation. The hydrogen-poor carbon-rich and metal-poor (in some

The local galaxy Science Advisory Group (SAG 2) in the Herschel/SPIRE consortium, has constructed a Guaranteed Time Key Program using the PACS and SPIRE insruments to obtain 60 to 550 micron photometry of a statistically significant sample of 51 dwarf galaxies in our local universe chosen to cover an impressivly broad range of physical conditions