The Physics of Compact Objects

Scientific research is a constant confrontation between observational results and theoretical models. Inevitably, the observations and the theory tend to get out of step. A new observatory, improved instrumentation, or the opening up of a new waveband often results in the discovery of an unexpected new phenomenon or new insight into an old problem. On occasion this can cause a bewildering array of theoretical models, with (hopefully) specific predictions that, to be tested, require new instrumentation or observational techniques. Inevitably, the new observations produce something unexpected and so the circle continues. The past years have seen a vast increase in the quality and quantity of observations on compact objects (black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs), both single and in binary systems, available from ground based and orbiting observatories. At the same time theoreticians have not been idle and many qualitative ideas have been transformed into detailed models.
 
Scientific research is a constant confrontation between observational results and theoretical models. Inevitably, the observations and the theory tend to get out of step. A new observatory, improved instrumentation, or the opening up of a new waveband often results in the discovery of an unexpected new phenomenon or new insight into an old problem. On occasion this can cause a bewildering array of theoretical models, with (hopefully) specific predictions that, to be tested, require new instrumentation or observational techniques. Inevitably, the new observations produce something unexpected and so the circle continues. The past years have seen a vast increase in the quality and quantity of observations on compact objects (black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs), both single and in binary systems, available from ground based and orbiting observatories. At the same time theoreticians have not been idle and many qualitative ideas have been transformed into detailed models.