Broadcast -- Mini-Science - Neutron Stars: Lighthouses of the Cosmos

Neutron stars represent the densest form of observable matter known in the Universe. Through a quirk of geometry and processes not fully understood, they appear to us on Earth, in some cases, as "pulsars," or stars that flash on and off regularly. The pulsar effect is similar to that of a lighthouse: we observe a pulse each time the star rotates. However in addition to this literal analogy, observations of pulsars shed figurative light onto some of the most vexing problems in fundamental physics. In this lecture, Prof. Kaspi will describe the astonishing properties of pulsars, as well as how observations of these amazing objects help to constrain several interesting aspects of physics of extreme environments.

To Infinity and Beyond: Space, Stars & the Universe brings you the latest in space exploration by top McGill researchers and alumnus in this unique multi-disciplinary lecture series. The topic of Mini-Science 2009 is particularly appropriate – the United Nations having proclaimed 2009 the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) in commemoration of the first astronomical use of the telescope in 1609.