Universe: Feature Papers − Compact Objects

Dear Colleagues,

Compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes are natural test-beds which enable the study of physical processes under conditions inaccessible to terrestrial laboratories. Different branches of fundamental physics, from quantum electrodynamics to strong field gravity, and from chromodynamics to particle physics, stand to benefit greatly from astrophysical studies of compact objects.

In recent years, primarily due to multimessenger (and often multiwavelength) approaches, our understanding of compact object physics has advanced significantly. Observational facilities like LIGO/VIRGO, the Event Horizon Telescope, as well as Gaia, Chandra and XMM-Newton, large ground-based optical telescopes, and many others, provide us with a plethora of new data which warrant both deep and careful analysis, and theoretical interpretation. This volume aims to present new results in this vast field of theoretical and observational astrophysics.

Many aspects of the astrophysics of compact objects are linked to each other. Thanks to studies of Sgr A* and results from the Event Horizon Telescope on M87, strong field gravity is linked to accretion physics. Studies of neutron star cooling demonstrate that magnetic field evolution is linked to properties of high density matter. In the case of coalescence of compact objects, nuclear physics appears to be connected to gravitational wave observations. We hope that reviews, comprehensive papers, and results of original studies in this Feature Paper Volume will exhibit the richness of the multifaceted and interrelated properties of black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs.

We anticipate the manuscripts to not just cover our present day understanding, but also to devote some attention to addressing current observational and theoretical challenges, major ongoing developments, and some discussion of future prospects and the scientific explorations and insights these will enable.

We invite colleagues to submit contributing topics on the broad subject of “Compact Objects”, addressing both observational and theoretical research concerning:

(1) Accretion flows and jets;

(2) Coalescence of compact objects;

(3) Properties of matter inside neutron stars and white dwarfs;

(4) Magnetic fields of compact objects and magnetospheric processes;

(5) Supermassive black holes and their associated physical phenomena;

(6) Multi-messenger studies of compact objects and related physical phenomena;

(7) Astroparticle physics with compact objects;

(8) Probes of fundamental theories and new physics with compact objects;

(9) Compact binary evolution and dynamical gravitational fields.

Prof. Dr. Sergei Popov
Dr. Ziri Younsi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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