Magnetar Mysteries: Tales of Two Transients
by
TDLI, Open Area (4F-SW)
Tsung-Dao Lee Institute
Host: Dong Lai
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Abstract:
Magnetars, highly magnetized neutron stars, are responsible for the most energetic transient events observed in the Milky Way. Their extreme magnetic environments enable exotic quantum
processes, such as spontaneous photon splitting and photo-magnetic electron-positron pair production, providing unique avenues for testing fundamental physics under conditions not reproducible elsewhere in the universe.
In this talk, I will examine two distinct classes of radio transients thought to be associated with magnetars: the recently discovered galactic Long Period Transients, and extragalactic Fast Radio Bursts. I will present the observational evidence supporting the magnetar hypothesis, discuss current theoretical models explaining how magnetars might produce these phenomena, and outline the implications for our broader understanding of neutron stars and transient astronomy. I will conclude with the prospects for future research and discoveries in this rapidly evolving area of astrophysics.
Biography:
Dr. Alex Cooper is currently a Hintze Prize Fellow at the University of Oxford, where he focuses on understanding how neutron stars generate bright, coherent radio emission. He completed his undergraduate degree in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Nottingham, followed by a Master's and PhD in Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Amsterdam. Alex employs both analytical and numerical techniques to model a wide range of extreme transient phenomena associated with neutron stars and black holes.
