PHY583 - Black holes, neutron stars, and associated phenomena
Neutron stars and black holes are among the most fascinating physical systems encountered in the Universe. The study of the structure of space-time in their vicinity, and of their internal structure in the case of neutron stars, makes it possible to probe extreme conditions in terms of gravity or density of matter. Their formation releases an enormous gravitational energy that associates them with spectacular explosive phenomena such as supernovae or gamma-ray bursts. Once formed, neutron stars and black holes are powerful sources of radiation, particularly in the field of X-rays and gamma rays: "pulsar" radiation from neutron stars, radiation associated with the accretion of matter from a companion star or from the environment, ... In some cases, these sources are even capable of ejecting matter at ultra-relativistic speeds. Finally, neutron stars and black holes are at the heart of the sources discussed in the framework of the emergence of multi-messenger astronomy, with in particular the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015 (coalescence of two black holes) and the first multi-messenger observation (gravitational waves and light) of a coalescence of neutron stars in 2017.
This course proposes to successively approach these different aspects, presenting both the theoretical issues and the fundamental observations. The evaluation will be done through small astrophysical modeling projects carried out in groups of 2 or 3 students during the period.
Course Language : English
- Teaching coordinator: Daigne Frédéric