In 2020, HR 6819 was reported to be a triple system containing the closest black hole to Earth. However, these results were contested, with an alternative explanation of a post-interaction binary suggested. Using new integral field spectroscopic and interferometric data, we have been able to determine the true nature of this exotic source.

First results of near-IR adaptive optics (AO)-assisted imaging, interferometry, and spectroscopy of this Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) are presented. They suggest that the Pistol Star is at least double. If the association is physical, it would reinforce questions concerning the importance of multiplicity for the formation and evolution of extremely massive stars.

Currently the only technique sensitive to Earth mass planets around nearby stars (that are too close for microlensing) is the monitoring of the transit time variations of the transiting extrasolar planets. We search for additional planets in the systems of the hot-Neptune GJ-436 b, and the hot-Jupiter XO-1 b, using high cadence observations in the J and KS bands, with the SofI and ISAAC instruments from La Silla Paranal Observatory. New high-precision transit timing measurements were used to derive new ephemeris. No statistically significant timing deviations were detected. We demonstrate that the high cadence ground based near-infrared observations are successful in constraining the mean transit time to 30 sec, and are a viable alternative to space missions.

A new method is used to determine masses, ages, and reddening for the stars of the starburst cluster NGC 2070 in 30 Doradus. The data are consistent with a star-formation rate which increases exponentially with a characteristic rise time of 1.7 Myr, independent of mass, starting 7 Myr ago. The IMF is consistent with a single power law IMF with Salpeter slope over the whole 3 M⊙ < M < 120 M⊙ range investigated, with evidence for flattening for the innermost radial bin.