Title: Exploring binary interactions with Luminous Red Novae transients
Abstract: Binary stellar interactions play a crucial role in forming various astrophysical systems, including novae, thermonuclear supernovae, X-ray binaries, and gravitational wave sources. One of the most important processes is the common envelope (CE) evolution phase, which occurs when both stars orbit within a shared envelope of gas, marking the end of an unstable mass transfer process. The transfer of orbital angular momentum to this envelope leads to its total or partial ejection, resulting in either a compact binary or a fully merged star. This dynamic ejection is associated with a unique type of transient event known as Luminous Red Novae (LRNe). Over the past decade, the advent of large time-domain surveys has enabled a new observational approach to studying the CE phase in binary systems using LRNe. Archival images and pre-outburst time-domain data of detected progenitor systems have revealed that a complex sequence of mass transfer processes triggers the final dynamic onset of CE ejection. Additionally, transients detected by these surveys have shown that the timescales, properties of the ejecta, and energy budget of the CE ejection process are highly varied but still related to the characteristics of the progenitor system. Late-time studies of LRNe remnants in infrared and millimeter wavelengths have also uncovered complex morphologies for these ejections and significant dust formation. In my talk, I will provide an overview of recent observational advancements in the study of LRNe and their progenitor systems, highlighting their significance in enhancing our understanding of CE. Finally, I will discuss future opportunities with upcoming large transient surveys such as LSST.