Galactic structure & Local group / Solar system

Title: Galactic archaeology: the case of the Monoceros Ring

Lane, Richard

Richard Lane - Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins

Abstract: The Monoceros Ring (MRi) is an apparent stellar overdensity that entirely encircles the Galactic plane. It has remained an enigmatic structure for almost 20 years. In this poster, I give the history behind the structure, and discuss what is now required to show, with certainty, whether or not the MRi has Galactic, or extra-Galactic origins. We are nearing a final, definitive, test for the nature of the MRi, and the ultimate resolution to a 20 year problem in Galactic Archaeology.