ESA Science & Technology - The Milky Way and the Local Group -<br>Now and in the Gaia Era

Start date: 01 Sep 2009
Address: Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

This conference focuses on the substantial recent advances in our understanding of the evolution of the Milky Way and of the Local Group, both from the theoretical and observational point of view as well as in terms of new facilities and surveys. Special emphasis will be placed on the prospects of the forthcoming Gaia satellite mission.