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Explore how Gaia astrometry data is being used to model compact binary populations in our Galaxy in this conference talk from the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics. Learn about the revolutionary impact of gravitational wave detections on understanding stellar mass black hole populations, and discover how Gaia is revealing new populations of dormant black holes in detached binaries with stellar companions. Examine how microlensing techniques probe isolated black holes that would otherwise remain unobservable, while time domain surveys search for transients that mark either the birth of black holes or their interactions with stellar companions. Understand how these diverse detection methods are unveiling populations that complement the accreting black holes previously known from X-ray and radio surveys. Gain insights into the complete lifecycle of stellar black holes, from the complicated evolution of their massive star progenitors through core collapse and associated transients, to their afterlives as either dormant or accreting objects, and potentially their final fate as gravitational wave sources during merger events. This presentation is part of a broader conference bringing together observational and theoretical perspectives to address urgent questions about stellar black hole evolution and develop new research strategies for this rapidly advancing field.
