SEMINAR 2025

Piecing Together the Neutron Star Puzzle:
A Multi-messenger Exploration of Supranuclear Matter

SpeakerPeter T. H. Pang, Nikhef, Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University, Netherlands
Date/TimeWednesday, 3 Sep, 10am
LocationS11-02-07 Conference Room 
HostAsst/Prof Alvin Chua

Abstract

Neutron stars, the remnants of supernova explosions, contain matter at densities far beyond what can be recreated in a lab. Understanding how this dense matter behaves is crucial for interpreting phenomena like neutron-star mergers. Despite advances in nuclear theory and experiments, many questions remain about the extreme conditions inside neutron stars. Fortunately, new observations are shedding light on these mysteries. In this talk, I will give an overview of the multi-messenger approach to studying neutron star matter, which combines data from various sources, such as nuclear theory, terrestrial nuclear experiments like heavy-ion collisions, and astrophysical observations of neutron stars. By integrating these datasets with Bayesian statistics, we arrive at a state-of-the-art understanding of the behavior of matter under the most extreme conditions in the Universe.

(credit to University of Warwick/Mark Garlick)
(credit to Dall-E)

Biography

I am an NWO Fellow and Honorary Croucher Postdoctoral Fellow at Nikhef and Utrecht University, specializing in multi-messenger nuclear astrophysics. Originally from Hong Kong, I received my PhD in Physics from Utrecht University in 2022. My research spans gravitational-wave data analysis, multi-messenger astronomy, tests of general relativity, and the study of nuclear physics through the combination of astrophysical observations and terrestrial experiments. I am particularly interested in advancing my work through the integration of machine learning techniques and GPU-accelerated computing.