Events Archive

Abstract:

Guided by the principles of effective field theory, I will discuss three consecutive avenues to constrain physics beyond General Relativity with black-hole observations.

In this talk, we introduce and solve the characteristic gluing problem for the Einstein vacuum equations. We prove that obstructions to characteristic gluing come from an infinite-dimensional space of conservation laws along null hypersurfaces for the linearized equations at Minkowski.

Abstract:

Gravitational waves from the coalescence of compact binaries provide a unique opportunity to test gravity in the strong field regime. In particular, the postmerger phase of the gravitational signal is a proxy for the nature of the remnant. 

The discovery of the quark-gluon plasma that forms in heavy-ion collision experiments provides a unique opportunity to study the properties of matter under extreme conditions, as the quark-gluon plasma is the hottest, smallest, and densest fluid known to humanity.

A priori it would be surprising if all low-luminosity supermassive black holes, such as those in the centers of M87 and our own galaxy, had accretion disks aligned with their spin.

Abstract: In this talk, I will provide an overview of theoretical models of black hole accretion aimed primarily at non-specialists. I will focus in particular on efforts to understand the dynamics of, and radiation from, plasma in the near-horizon environment, both analytically and using numerical simulations.

Abstract: 

 The observation of gravitational and electromagnetic waves from a binary neutron star (BNS) merger in August 2017 conveyed unique information on the nature of matter at supranuclear densities, on the origin of short-gamma ray burst, on the production site of of heavy elements in the Universe, and on cosmography.