Eclectic Science from Multiwavelength Studies of Globular Clusters

Globular clusters are the largest relaxed stellar systems in the Universe. They are also the closest analogues to simple stellar systems, and are found in large numbers around all types of galaxies. Thus they provide an interesting window into an array of astronomical topics. The population of globular clusters can be used to probe the star formation and assembly histories of their host galaxies. The dense stellar environment in clusters also triggers the formation of many exotic kinds of close binaries and provides an ideal laboratory for studying such objects. Globular clusters are also dynamically interesting objects in themselves.
I will present results from our ongoing multiwavelength studies of globular clusters and discuss the implications on galaxy formation and chemical enrichment models. These observations also provide interesting insights into accreting neutron star, black hole and white dwarf systems, dynamical evolution of clusters, and stellar population models. I will also discuss avenues for future research using both existing and upcoming observatories such as ASTROSAT.