Description:

Neutron stars born with magnetic fields greater than 1014 G (“magnetars”) are common in the Galaxy. Approximately 10 - 50% of the young neutron star population possesses such field strengths. These objects exhibit very slow rotation, spectacular flares, and may be connected to the fast radio burst (FRB) phenomenon and other exotica. In particular, much rarer, very rapidly-rotating magnetars may power super-luminous supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. I will discuss three new sets of results within this context connected to (1) early magnetar magneto-centrifugal spindown during the proto-neutron star phase lasting 10s of seconds after massive star core collapse, (2) the potential for heavy element nucleosynthesis during this phase, and (3) new models for the ejection of neutron-rich baryonic material during the giant flares that accompany magnetar evolution thousands of years after their birth.

Todd Thompson, Professor, Ohio State University

Host: Yoram Lithwick