About the Workshop

Observations of astrophysical systems where gravity is extreme have the potential to shed light on some of the most profound questions in physics today: from the internal composition of neutron stars to the wether Einstein's theory accurately describes the merger of two black holes. Many new instruments are expected to come on-line or start taking data around 2015, including the neutron star telescope NICER, the black hole telescope Event Horizon, and the advanced gravitational wave detectors LIGO and Virgo. To begin preparations for this new era, the eXtreme Gravity Institute at Montana State University will host a workshop on August 20th, 21st and 22nd to celebrate its inauguration. The goal of this workshop is to plan and prepare for the era of extreme gravity observations. The workshop will focus on the following topics:

  • Neutron stars: theory behind the equation of state, modeling of X-ray surface emission, data analysis considerations
  • Black hole shadows: modeling of shadows, data analysis considerations and interpretation of results
  • Gravitational wave astrophysics: extraction of physics, like the neutron star equation of state, after first detections
  • Experimental relativity: cosmological and gravitational wave tests of General Relativity

The format of the workshop will be informal to encourage a collaborative atmosphere with 1.5 hour long discussion sessions. The following individuals will give an overview of each topic, with emphasis on open questions to stimulate discussion (list subject to change): 

Discussion Leaders

  • Tessa Baker (Oxford U.)  
  • Enrico Barausse (Institute d’Astrophysique d’Paris) 
  • Avery Broderick (Perimeter Institute — Waterloo U.)  
  • Jim Lattimer (Stony Brook ) 
  • Tyson Littenberg (CIERA — Northwestern U.) 
  • Cole Miller (U. of Maryland) 
  • Sharon Morsink (U. of Alberta)
  • Dimitrios Psaltis (Arizona State U.) 
  • Scott Ransom (NRAO) 
  • Sanjay Reddy (U. of Washington) 
  • Xavier Siemens (University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee) 

Workshop Application

Although there is no cost for people to attend the workshop, an application is required. Places are limited to around 50 attendees, which will include discussion moderators and participants. 

If you are a graduate student or post doctoral researcher, you may apply for financial aid to partially help cover your costs - funding is very limited and will be awarded based upon a needs and excellence basis. 

Important: Application deadline is March 1st, 2015

Apply for the Workshop here »

For more information please contact:

Dr. Nico Yunes
Email: nyunes@physics.montana.edu
Phone: 814 883 2069

Workshop Links