Abstract: The physics of compact objects, such as Neutron Stars and Black Holes, remains at the forefront of astronomical theory and experiment. In particular, there is significant uncertainty in the nuclear physics that governs the cores of Neutron Stars and sculpts the entire population of stellar remnants. I will discuss how to use theoretical insights about the behaviour of these exotic objects, together with cutting-edge inference techniques, to improve constraints from multi-messenger observations. Similarly, I will show a few examples of how improved theoretical understanding of compact object properties can inform our understanding of a broad range of astrophysical phenomena. I will discuss the current state of the field, with a focus on insights enabled by the technology I’ve developed, what we are likely to learn over the coming years, and promising paths towards deep physical insights about the behaviour of supranuclear matter and dynamic, strong-field gravity.
Neutron Stars & Black Holes: Astrophysical Laboratories for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Yardsticks for Astrophysical Phenomena
Reed Essick (University of Toronto) // May 29, 2025
Abstract: The physics of compact objects, such as Neutron Stars and Black Holes, remains at the forefront of astronomical theory and experiment. In particular, there is significant uncertainty in the nuclear physics that governs the cores of Neutron Stars and sculpts the entire population of stellar remnants. I will discuss how to use theoretical insights about the behaviour of these exotic objects, together with cutting-edge inference techniques, to improve constraints from multi-messenger observations. Similarly, I will show a few examples of how improved theoretical understanding of compact object properties can inform our understanding of a broad range of astrophysical phenomena. I will discuss the current state of the field, with a focus on insights enabled by the technology I’ve developed, what we are likely to learn over the coming years, and promising paths towards deep physical insights about the behaviour of supranuclear matter and dynamic, strong-field gravity.