Heavier than the Sun, Smaller than a City: The Neutron Star (1:00-1:30pm)
Paul Hemphill, MKI

Abstract:
Neutron stars are some of the most extreme objects in the known Universe. More massive than the Sun, but just a few miles across, they have some of the highest densities, strongest magnetic fields, and highest temperatures of any celestial objects. In this talk I will give an overview of the origins and properties of the various types of neutron stars that we observe, as well as how we can detect them and their usefulness for astrophysics as a whole.

Tour of the X-ray Polarimetry Lab — please note tour limit and prerequisite below (2:00-3:00pm)
Norbert Schulz and Herman Marshall, MKI

Tour of MIT’s X-ray Polarimetry Lab, where new X-ray instrumentation is currently being developed.

Please Note:
20 people max for tour. Advance sign-up required starting at 12:55pm in 37-252 immediately before Dr. Hemphill’s talk. Attendance of talk is required for tour of the Lab. Tour will leave from 37-252 at 1:30pm, and last about an hour until about 3:00pm.

Sponsor(s): Kavli Institute for Astrophysics & Space Research
Contact: Debbie Meinbresse, 37-241, 617 253-1456, MEINBRES@MIT.EDU

For a complete listing, see IAP 2018–MKI Activities