From his early years at Berkeley to his current position as a full professor at UNAM, Dr. Luis Aguilar has gained respect among the community for both his in-depth perspective of a diversity of astrophysical topics and his ability to teach any concept with a clear and joyful style.
Also, Luis Aguilar belongs to a very rare breed of astrophysicists who have been involved in a wide variety of topics. He has led and participated in a large number of works in theoretical and observational astrophysics, earning recognition and respect among distinct research communities. His scientific contributions include a wide range of topics, such as the study of the structure and dynamics of galaxies, young and old Galactic stellar populations, orbital motions, stellar angular momentum, stellar binaries, stellar properties, and complex planetary systems, among others. He has mentored projects of students and young researchers in several countries and has been valued for his insight into a variety of important endeavors.
Significant Contributions to Astrophysics
However, it is fair to highlight his recent contributions to the Gaia mission. The impact of Gaia in practically all areas of astrophysics during the last decade has been both deep and wide. In particular, Gaia has changed our understanding of Galactic Dynamics, allowing us to finally depart from the solar neighborhood and explore a significant fraction of the Milky Way galaxy. Gaia data has allowed us to study the warp of the galactic disk, to make complete censi of stellar populations and their structures beyond the stages of equilibrium all the way to the Galactic halo. Thanks to Gaia, we have explored the rotation of the central bar, to explore nearby moving groups, and to explore the 3-D structure of star-forming regions. Luis Aguilar has provided valuable insight into these and other problems, and it is pertinent that those contributions can be discussed at the proposed gathering. The main Gaia data acquisition phase will end in the Spring of 2025, making it ideal to discuss these topics next May in the company of Luis.
A Dedicated and Inspiring Educator
While his contributions to science are remarkable, we want to also recognize Luis Aguilar in his role as a teacher. Dr. Luis Aguilar has transmitted his passion and formality to students of all levels, from high school to graduate and young researchers. From college physics to advanced seminars in astrodynamics, Luis has meticulously elaborated thousands of slides where concepts are exposed with stunning visuals of his own creation, and he is always prepared to answer questions with impressive depth of knowledge and clarity. Luis founded important summer programs in Baja California and other places in Mexico, to attract students to science careers and has motivated those students every year for decades. Luis has also contributed extensively to science outreach, with contributions to a plethora of public events both in and outside of Mexico.
Objective of the Conference: Honoring a Legacy
Our main goal is to organize a conference where all these achievements can be discussed with as many people whose science has benefited from the magic touch of Luis Aguilar. We also want to showcase all his contributions to the formation of new astronomers in Mexico and across the world.
Participation will be made on a personal invitation basis, with a limited number of additional contributions by registration. The conference is limited to 70 participants.