1st Institute of Space Sciences Summer School: Neutron Stars And Their Environments

Name: 1st Institute of Space Sciences Summer School: Neutron Stars And Their Environments
Start: 2017-07-03T08:45:00+02:00
End: 2017-07-07T18:00:00+02:00
Location: Institute of Space Sciences

3 Jul 2017, 08:45 → 7 Jul 2017, 18:00 Europe/Madrid

Institute of Space Sciences

Institute of Space Sciences <br/> Campus UAB - Bellaterra <br/> Spain

Aldo (Chair) Serenelli (Institute of Space Sciences (IEEC-CSIC)), Diego (Institute Director) Torres (Institute of Space Sciences), Ignasi Ribas (Institute of Space Sciences), Lluis Gesa (Institute of Space Sciences), Margarita Hernanz (Institute of Space Sciences), Noemí (Logistics) Cortés (Institute of Space Sciences)

Description

Presentation

The Institute of Space Sciences (IEEC-CSIC) is an institution at the forefront of scientific and technological research with the mission of contributing to the general advance of studies of the Cosmos.

During July 1967, Profs. Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish started taking data at the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory that would lead a few months later to the discovery of the first pulsar. This year, to commemorate the 50 anniversary of the event, Neutron Stars and their Environments will be the theme of the 1st Institute of Space Sciences Summer School.

Rationale

Ever since their discovery in the late Sixties, neutron stars have been fascinating objects pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the physical Universe. Neutron stars encompass matter at densities beyond those in atomic nuclei and under the most intense magnetic and gravitational fields, representing unique laboratories to test our understanding of the extremes of physics: test general relativity in the strong limit, acceleration of very high energy cosmic rays, or heat transport at nuclear densities. Two Nobel Prizes were awarded on discoveries in neutron star physics so far (Ryle and Hewish 1974; Hulse and Taylor 1993).

In the past decade or so, thanks to the availability of new generation instrumentation, there were high-impact discoveries in the neutron star research: i.e. close-by (few hundreds light-years) thermally emitting magnetic neutron stars (the so-called XDINSs), extremely magnetic neutron stars, known as magnetars, from which crust-quakes during luminous Giant Flares were observed, accreting millisecond pulsars, jets and wind-blown nebulae probing their powerful particle winds, observations of X-ray bursts in systems accreting at the Eddington luminosity, and radio timing of pulsars that allowed to test General Relativity with unprecedented accuracy, as well as constrain the equation of state of dense matter.

The School program covers many aspects of neutron stars, from fundamental physics (equation of state, magneto-thermal evolution) through observations of isolated and accreting pulsars and pulsar wind nebulae across the electromagnetic spectrum, including thermonuclear explosions and generation of gravitational waves in binary systems.

The Institute of Space Sciences will welcome around 30 Master and Doctoral students to attend the Summer School: they will broaden their knowledge on this exciting field as well as get in touch with the other research groups working at the Institute.


	With the collaboration of

Participants

Alessandra Robba
Antonio Tutone
Anu Kundu
Armin Vahdat Motlagh
Arus Harutyunyan
Claudia Gonzalez Boquera
Daniel Mata Sánchez
David Abarca
Edson Otoniel
Elena Ambrosi
Emma van der Wateren
Enrique Mestre
Felipe Jiménez-Ibarra
Francisco Javier Rivera Paleo
Giovanni Ceribella
Giulia Termini
Glòria Montaña Faiget
Jacopo Soldateschi
Jose Guadalupe Martinez
Kun Xu
Mario Cadelano
Martina Coffaro
Martí Berenguer Mimó
Michela Rigoselli
Michele Fiori
Mikhail Gornostaev
Nihan Pol
Ninoy Rahman
Ornella Juliana Piccinni
Pedro De la Torre-Luque
Ricard Ardevol Pulpillo
Santiago Ubach
Sidika Merve Colak
Simonamichela Mazzola
Stefanos Tsiopelas
Suhani gupta
Tingting Lin
Vadym Khomenko
Vincenzo Davide Cardinale
Wei-Min Liu
Xiao-Tian Xu
Yago Herrera

summer2017@ice.csic.es

Monday, 3 July
- 08:45 → 09:15
  
  Arrival and Registration
- 09:15 → 09:30
  
  Welcome
- 09:30 → 11:00
  
  Lecture 1 - Jordi Isern: Evolution of Massive Stars - The Road to NS formation
  
  Neutron stars are the outcome of the gravitational collapse of massive, electron degenerate cores of stars. These cores can be made of iron, of a mixture of oxygen and neon, or even carbon and oxygen. In this lecture I briefly present the different evolutionary paths, as well as the Physics involved, leading to the formation of such stellar cores.
  
  slides
- 11:00 → 11:30
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 11:30 → 13:00
  
  Lecture 2 - Laura Tolos: The Equation of State for Neutron Stars
  
  The knowledge of the equation of state of matter inside neutron stars is of fundamental importance for understanding their masses, radii and dynamics. The equation of state depends on the composition and, hence, on the phases of matter in their interior. In this lecture I will present different possible phases of dense matter inside neutron stars and the associated equation of state, while analysing the consequences for their structure.
  
  slides
- 13:00 → 14:30
  
  Lunch 1h 30m
- 14:30 → 16:00
  
  Lecture 3 - José Pons: Structure and Thermal Evolution of Neutron Stars I
  
  The basic concepts of stellar structure and thermal evolution of neutron stars are reviewed. Attention is set on the connection between theoretical models and observations, with special focus in more important current open problems.
  
  slides
- 16:00 → 16:30
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 16:30 → 18:00
  
  Lecture 4 - Nanda Rea: Isolated Neutron Stars I
  
  We will describe the main observational characteristics of different classes of neutron stars, and show which physical parameters might be derived from measured quantities. Lectures will encompass the study of the radio pulsar timing, x-ray emission from the neutron star surface and magnetosphere, the study of isolated pulsars as the Universe largest magnets, and as sources and detectors of gravitational waves.
  
  slides
Tuesday, 4 July
- 09:00 → 10:30
  
  Lecture 5 - Cristina Manuel: Transport Phenomena in Neutron Stars
  
  Neutron stars are studied with hydrodynamical equations that govern their macroscopic behavior. The relaxation times to any external perturbations to the star are controlled by the transport coefficients that enter into the hydrodynamical equations, such us the bulk and shear viscosities or the thermal conductivity. The value of these coefficients depend on the microscopic physics of the star, and thus their knowledge can provide us with very valuable information of the neutron star’s interiors.
  
  slides
- 10:30 → 11:00
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 11:00 → 12:30
  
  Lecture 6 - José Pons: Magnetothermal Evolution of Neutron Stars II
  
  Magnetic field evolution in neutron stars. Starting from the origin of magnetic fields in neutron star interiors, we describe the main processes that determine its evolution and the most relevant associated timescales. Possible observational evidence of the internal magnetic fields of neutron stars are also presented.
  
  slides
- 12:30 → 13:00
  
  Institute activity: Ignasi Ribas / Serni Ribó
- 13:00 → 14:30
  
  Lunch 1h 30m
- 14:30 → 16:00
  
  Lecture 7 - Alessandro Papitto: Accreting Neutron Stars I
  
  Neutron stars that accrete matter transferred from a companion star are among the brightest known X-ray sources. The interplay between the neutron star magnetic field and matter determines a number of observable phenomena, like X-ray pulsations at the spin period of the neutron star and/or plasma outflows. These are invaluable probes to measure the physical properties of the compact object, test the effects of General relativity on the motion of matter, and understand the field-plasma interaction. I will review the main properties of X-ray pulsars in binary systems, with a high and a low mass companion star. A particular focus will be given to the case of the accretion-driven spin up of old neutron stars to rotational periods of a few milliseconds, and the relation of these sources with radio millisecond pulsars.
  
  slides
- 16:00 → 16:30
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 16:30 → 18:00
  
  Lecture 8 - Nanda Rea: Isolated Neutron Stars II
  
  We will describe the main observational characteristics of different classes of neutron stars, and show which physical parameters might be derived from measured quantities. Lectures will encompass the study of the radio pulsar timing, x-ray emission from the neutron star surface and magnetosphere, the study of isolated pulsars as the Universe largest magnets, and as sources and detectors of gravitational waves.
  
  slides
Wednesday, 5 July
- 09:00 → 10:30
  
  Lecture 9 - Jian Li: Gamma-ray Observations of Neutron Stars and their Related Systems I
  
  The last generation of gamma-ray instruments, like Fermi and Agile from space and the Cherenkov telescopes from the ground, has brought neutron stars to the forefront of high energy astrophysics. In the lectures I will review the properties of gamma-ray detected neutron stars and their related systems.
  
  slides
- 10:30 → 11:00
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 11:00 → 12:00
  
  Lecture 10 - Emma de Oña Wilhelmi: Pulsar Wind Nebulae and Very High-Energy gamma-ray Observations I
  
  GeV pulsar and TeV pulsar wind nebulae represent the largest Galactic population in the GeV and TeV regime respectively. Even when sharing the same central engine, that is, an energetic and young pulsar, the processes ruling the two regimes largely differ. At GeV energies, the radiation is pulsed and the environment conditions on the pulsar magnetosphere and pulsar wind prevail. At TeV energies, the steady, integrated over time, nebula outshines. Nevertheless those processes should be ultimately connected being different aspects from a continuous pulsar/PWNe system. We will review the state-of-the-art knowledge on these objects and describe in a quantitative manner the general trends observed experimentally. We will also discuss the experimental techniques used now-a-days to detect gamma-rays at very-high energies with particular emphasis in the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) observatory.
  
  slides
- 12:30 → 13:30
  
  Public Talk - José Pons: Neutron Stars: Laboratories for Extreme Condition Physics Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  
  Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
- 13:30 → 14:30
  
  Lunch 1h
- 14:30 → 16:00
  
  Lecture 11 - Alessandro Papitto: Accreting Neutron Stars II
  
  Neutron stars that accrete matter transferred from a companion star are among the brightest known X-ray sources. The interplay between the neutron star magnetic field and matter determines a number of observable phenomena, like X-ray pulsations at the spin period of the neutron star and/or plasma outflows. These are invaluable probes to measure the physical properties of the compact object, test the effects of General relativity on the motion of matter, and understand the field-plasma interaction. I will review the main properties of X-ray pulsars in binary systems, with a high and a low mass companion star. A particular focus will be given to the case of the accretion-driven spin up of old neutron stars to rotational periods of a few milliseconds, and the relation of these sources with radio millisecond pulsars.
  
  slides
- 16:00 → 16:30
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 16:30 → 18:00
  
  Lecture 12 - Pau Amaro Seoane: Gravitational Waves from NS-NS and NS-BH systems I
  
  We will address the way neutron stars form binaries in dense stellar systems such as galactic nuclei and globular clusters. These environments can be regarded as the breeding grounds of gravitational wave sources for ground-based detectors such as Advanced LIGO or third generation observatories, in particular the Einstein Telescope. The formation of binaries involve close encounters between stars and direct exchange of angular momentum and energy.
  
  slides
Thursday, 6 July
- 09:00 → 10:30
  
  Lecture 13 - Jordi José: Thermonuclear Explosions in Neutron Stars I
  
  This series of lectures reviews the basic concepts of thermonuclear burning on the surface of accreting neutron stars. The analysis of the different burning regimes will pave the road to unstable nuclear burning and the onset of explosions (e.b., Type I X-Ray Bursts, Intermediate-Duration Bursts and Superbursts), with special emphasis on the associated nucleosynthesis.
  
  slides
- 10:30 → 11:00
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 11:00 → 12:00
  
  Lecture 14 - Jian Li: Gamma-ray Observations of Neutron Stars and their Related Systems II
  
  The last generation of gamma-ray instruments, like Fermi and Agile from space and the Cherenkov telescopes from the ground, has brought neutron stars to the forefront of high energy astrophysics. In the lectures I will review the properties of gamma-ray detected neutron stars and their related systems.
  
  slides
- 12:00 → 12:30
  
  Institute Activity: Gemma Busquet
- 12:30 → 14:45
  
  Institute of Space Sciences Activity / Lunch 2h 15m
- 14:45 → 16:00
  
  Gathering at the Institute's gates: Walk to ALBA Synchrotron
- 16:00 → 18:00
  
  Visit to the ALBA Synchrotron
Friday, 7 July
- 09:00 → 10:30
  
  Lecture 15 - Emma de Oña Wilhelmi: Pulsar Wind Nebulae and Very High-Energy gamma-ray Observations II
  
  GeV pulsar and TeV pulsar wind nebulae represent the largest Galactic population in the GeV and TeV regime respectively. Even when sharing the same central engine, that is, an energetic and young pulsar, the processes ruling the two regimes largely differ. At GeV energies, the radiation is pulsed and the environment conditions on the pulsar magnetosphere and pulsar wind prevail. At TeV energies, the steady, integrated over time, nebula outshines. Nevertheless those processes should be ultimately connected being different aspects from a continuous pulsar/PWNe system. We will review the state-of-the-art knowledge on these objects and describe in a quantitative manner the general trends observed experimentally. We will also discuss the experimental techniques used now-a-days to detect gamma-rays at very-high energies with particular emphasis in the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) observatory.
  
  slides
- 10:30 → 11:00
  
  Coffee Break 30m
- 11:00 → 12:30
  
  Lecture 16 - Jordi José: Thermonuclear Explosions in Neutron Stars II
  
  This series of lectures reviews the basic concepts of thermonuclear burning on the surface of accreting neutron stars. The analysis of the different burning regimes will pave the road to unstable nuclear burning and the onset of explosions (e.b., Type I X-Ray Bursts, Intermediate-Duration Bursts and Superbursts), with special emphasis on the associated nucleosynthesis.
  
  slides
- 12:30 → 13:00
  
  Institute Activity: Josep Maria Trigo - Diego Torres
- 13:00 → 14:30
  
  Pizza Lunch @ the Institute 1h 30m
- 14:30 → 16:00
  
  Lecture 17 - Pau Amaro Seoane: Gravitational Waves from NS-NS and NS-BH systems II
  
  We will address the way neutron stars form binaries in dense stellar systems such as galactic nuclei and globular clusters. These environments can be regarded as the breeding grounds of gravitational wave sources for ground-based detectors such as Advanced LIGO or third generation observatories, in particular the Einstein Telescope. The formation of binaries involve close encounters between stars and direct exchange of angular momentum and energy.
  
  slides
- 16:00 → 16:30
  
  End of programmed activities 30m

1st Institute of Space Sciences Summer School: Neutron Stars And Their Environments

Institute of Space Sciences

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona