Extreme Astrophysics
The most extreme astrophysical phenomena are found in the vicinty of neutron stars and black holes. These exotic objects possess crushing gravitational forces. In their vicinity some of the non-intuitive predictions of Einstein's relativity - like the twisting of space known as frame dragging - can be verified.
The extreme astrophysics group at Steward Observatory is dedicated to probing these intense gravitational fields, through X-ray observations of neutron stars undergoing bursts, and observing the rim of a black hole using the entire earth as a telescope.
Facultyand Research Staff with a research interest in this area include:
- Dan Marrone - Milky Way galaxy's central black hole, Event Horizon Telescope
- Fulvio Melia - Milky Way Galaxy's central black hole
- Rodger Thompson - nature of fundamental constants
- Chi-kwan (CK) Chan
(Bottom Right) Some of the possible ranges of Masses and Radius that are available for particular Neutron Star equations of state. The allowable masses and radii are sensitive to incredibly high pressure nuclear physics.

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