Neutron stars: From nuclear physics to astrophysical observations

This seminar covers various aspects of neutron stars from the nuclear physics to related astrophysical processes. Topics include: * From nuclear interactions to the neutron-star equation of state Nuclear interactions, many-body theory, symmetry energy, neutron-rich matter, and how microscopic nuclear physics determines the equation of state. * Matter in the inner crust and outer core of a neutron star Isospin-asymmetric matter, phase coexistence, neutron and proton drip, and transition to homogeneous matter. * Core-collapse supernovae Massive star evolution, collapse, explosion, proto-neutron star, and neutrinos. * Neutron-star structure and mass-radius relation Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations, mass-radius relation, maximum mass, causality, and how nuclear physics propagates to macroscopic neutron-star properties. * Tidal deformability and gravitational wave observations Neutron star mergers, gravitational wave signals and LIGO/VIRGO detections, chirp mass, and what observations tell us about the tidal deformability of neutron stars. * Nucleosynthesis of heavy elements: r-process Rapid neutron capture process, astrophysical sites: neutron star mergers and core-collapse supernovae, observational constraints, nuclear physics uncertainties. Each topic will be investigated by a team of two students, combining the study of the underlying physical concepts with computational implementations and analyses. Each team will prepare and give a presentation on their assigned topic and is expected to participate actively in the seminar discussions.