Speaker

Dong Lai

Time

2023.10.18 16:00-17:30

Abstract

Compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes) are associated with some of the most exotic phenomena and extreme environments in the universe. They have been observed in all electromagnetic wave bands, from radio to gamma rays, and have now been detected in gravitational waves. Their strong gravities, high densities and magnetic fields provide a unique avenue for exploring physics under extreme conditions. In this talk, I will highlight recent progress and discuss future prospects in the astrophysics of compact objects.

Bio

Dong Lai is Benson Jay and Mary Ellen Simon Professor at Cornell University and T.-D. Lee Chair Professor (Visiting) at T.-D. Lee Institute at SJTU. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Science and Technology of China. He studied theoretical physics at Cornell University, receiving Ph.D. in 1994. He was the Richard C. Tolman Prize Fellow in theoretical astrophysics at Caltech, and joined the Cornell Astronomy faculty in 1997. He has received the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and the Simons Fellowship. His current research is in theoretical/computational astrophysics, focusing on exoplanets, compact objects (neutron stars, black holes and white dwarfs), and astrophysical (particle, fluid and plasma) dynamics in general.