Chirps and kilonovae: Exploring the extreme physics of merging neutron stars

Chirps and kilonovae: Exploring the extreme physics of merging neutron stars
Francois Foucart, University of New Hampshire
Speaker Picture
Date and time: Fri, Sep 21, 2018 - 2:15pm
Location: LGRT 419B
Category: ACFI Seminar
Abstract:

The detection in August 2017 of gravitational waves powered by merging compact objects, followed by the observation of bright signals across the electromagnetic spectrum, has already allowed extraordinary progress in high-energy and nuclear astrophysics. The gravitational wave signal was most likely the result of the collision of two neutron stars about 100 million light-years away. The ejection of neutron-rich material during and after merger and the production of a relativistic jet powered by the post-merger remnant then generated the plethora of electromagnetic signals observed seconds to months after the gravitational waves. In this talk, I will review the physics of merging neutron stars, as well as what the observation of these systems can tell us about the properties of the dense, cold matter at the center of neutron stars, and about the production of heavy nuclei in the Universe. I will then discuss the critical role played by numerical simulations of merging neutron stars as we work to understand observed and upcoming gravitational wave and electromagnetic signals.