Seminar by Stefano Ascenzi
Zoom - October 19, 2022 - 15.00
WEBINAR LINK
Title: The physics of Kilonovae.
Abstract:The first detection of a binary neutron star merger through
gravitational waves and photons in 2017 marked the dawn of
multimessenger astronomy with gravitational waves, and it greatly
increased our insight in different fields of astrophysics and
fundamental physics. In particular, during this event, the first
compelling detection of a kilonova took place. Kilonovae are
astrophysical transients powered by the radioactive decay of the nuclei
synthesized within the decompressed matter of a neutron star ejected
during the merger. Their importance resides in the fact that they are
thought to be the most promising site for the synthesis of the heaviest
elements in the universe, such as lanthanides and actinides. In this
seminar, I will review the physics of kilonovae and the main open
problems related to them.
Slides