Nordita Events [before January 2018]

Magnetar QPOs - Theoretical modelling

by Yuri Levin (Leiden Observatory)

Europe/Stockholm
132:028

132:028

Description
I was asked to give a broad-minded review of magnetar QPO theory. Here are the issues I plan to discuss: 1. Are we sure that magnetar QPOs are due to oscillations of neutron star? My viewpoint: not completely, but so far no plausible alternative exists. 2. What triggers SGR flare and how is it coupled to excitation of oscillations? My viewpoint: magnetosphere rather than crust 3. Do we understand how NS motion is coupled to x-ray flux modulation? My viewpoint: no 4. What do and don't we understand about the dynamics of NS oscillations? My viewpoint: do - General Relativity don't (to various degrees) - crust shear modulus, superfluidity, MHD The talk is meant to complement those of Watts and van Hoven.
slides