Related MSSL projects
XMM-Newton
Integral
Swift
IXO
Compact Objects
In compact objects (neutron stars and black holes),
astronomy confronts fundamental physics. Neutron stars have central
densities between 5 and 10 times the nuclear density. They are the
strongest known magnets, with some magnetic fields reaching into the
petaGauss range, exceeding the critical limit at which
quantum-electrodynamics become inevitable. Black holes are the most
compact objects known, and by their very nature represent gravity in the
strong-field regime. The fundamental questions regarding compact
objects are how they form, and how material behaves in their extreme
gravitational, magnetic and radiation fields. The
answers to these
questions lie in the study of isolated and/or accreting neutron stars,
black holes in binary systems, and energetic gamma ray bursts, all areas
in which we are, and plan to be, very active.
MSSL’s research
into compact objects has established a rich heritage stretching back to
the earliest days of high-energy astrophysics, including strong
instrumentation roles in a gamut of high-energy facilities. We lead the
field in the interpretation of the resulting data through the
combination of our observational and theoretical expertise. We
established world-leading positions in the areas of X-ray binaries,
cataclysmic variables and isolated neutron stars and have built
increasingly strong positions in the competitive gamma-ray burst and
ultra-luminous X-ray source fields.
Related MSSL projects
Staff active in these research areas
 Branduardi-Raymont, Brocksopp, Cropper, Mignani, Page, de Pasquale, Mignani, Saxton, Soria, Wu, Zane
