Event
Primakoff Lecture: "Dark Matter, Neutron Stars, and Gravitational Waves"
Ann Nelson, University of Washington
The recent observation of gravitational waves from merging neutron stars opens a new era for neutron star physics and astrophysics. I discuss the dark matter mystery and some of my work on
possible ways neutron stars can give clues about dark matter. Dark matter could be captured by neutron stars or their progenitors or produced during a supernovae and subsequently trapped
inside the star. It is even possible that neutrons could sometimes decay into dark matter. Past work has studied constraints on dark matter from black hole formation inside neutron stars. Current work includes the possibility that neutron stars could have a dark matter “atmosphere” leading to enhanced tidal effects during neutron star mergers.
Host: Joe Kroll
possible ways neutron stars can give clues about dark matter. Dark matter could be captured by neutron stars or their progenitors or produced during a supernovae and subsequently trapped
inside the star. It is even possible that neutrons could sometimes decay into dark matter. Past work has studied constraints on dark matter from black hole formation inside neutron stars. Current work includes the possibility that neutron stars could have a dark matter “atmosphere” leading to enhanced tidal effects during neutron star mergers.
Host: Joe Kroll