Studies in Relativistic Physics and Astrophysics

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

"Studies in Relativistic Physics and Astrophysics" General relativity is the theoretical foundation of current work on the physics on neutron stars and black holes, on the generation of gravitational waves, and in a broad sense on modern cosmology in general. However, the theory still remains largely untested, except in the weak-field, low-velocity regime. The the research being done under this award addresses several fundamental areas in relativistic physics and astrophysics that are currently ripe for progress. Specific research topics include the physics of accretion onto relativistic objects, possible ways to detect general relativistic effects and constraints on the equation of state and dynamical properties of dense matter in neutron stars. In addition to the theoretical analyses, attention will be given to the planning and analysing of observations designed to probe the properties of dense matter and strong gravitational fields. In this effort, the research program can take full advantage of the new information on black holes and neutron stars that is now being provided by space-based observations.