Neutron Stars as Dense Matter Laboratories
Bennett Link
Montana State University
A neutron star comprises an ultra-strong metallic crust afloat on more
than a solar mass of quantum liquid at supra-nuclear density. I will
describe how interaction of the crust with the neutron superfluid it
contains affects observed stellar rotational modes. I will demonstrate
that neutron stars with crust magnetic fields of ~10^15 G ("magnetars")
are susceptible to a thermal instability that melts the crust, leading
to rapid field evolution and release of magnetic energy. Development of
this instability could produce observed gamma-ray flares.
Date: | Tuesday, 10 November 2009 |
Time: | 16:00 |
Where: | McGill University |
| Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, R.E. Bell Conference Room (room 103) |
Contact: | Vicky Kaspi |
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