Abstract:
Neutron stars are the densest astrophysical objects in the universe. Cores of neutron stars reach densities that are as high as those realized in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions where ordinary nuclear matter melts into a new phase of matter, the quark matter. This naturally raises the question: does quark matter also exist inside neutron stars? In my talk, I describe how recent advancements in theory of superdense matter and in observations of neutron stars—such as the LIGO/Virgo detection of gravitational waves arising from a merger of two neutron stars—can inform us about what lies in the centers of neutron stars. I discuss how the different constraints point to the existence of quark matter in the cores of most massive neutron stars.
Zoom link will be available via announcement email, or by contacting: stroberg[at]uw.edu.