Anthropology of merging stars - Tracing the evolution and impact of stellar mergers with time-domain surveys

Most massive stars reside in binary systems where mutual interactions can draw them close enough to merge. These mergers offer insights into key processes like common-envelope evolution, a critical yet poorly understood phase in the formation of gravitational wave sources. Stellar mergers produce luminous, dusty outbursts that can now be detected using modern time-domain surveys. In this talk, I will describe a systematic study of massive star mergers using the Zwicky Transient Facility and discuss their implications for common-envelope evolution and gravitational wave formation. I will also present recent findings from JWST observations of stellar mergers to quantify their contribution to the cosmic dust budget. I will then introduce WINTER - a new near-infrared surveyor at Palomar Observatory which will search for the dustiest and most elusive mergers in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. In closing, I will highlight the exciting potential of upcoming optical and infrared surveys to revolutionize our view of the merger landscape.