Astromaterials in Neutron Star Crusts

Matt Caplan (Hosted by Albert/Haber), Illinois State University

Stars freeze. After their deaths in supernova the outer layers of neutron stars freeze and form a solid. In some ways this makes neutron stars like the earth, with a thin solid crust enveloping a liquid core. To interpret observations of neutron stars and constrain nuclear theory the 'astromaterials' in this crust must be understood. Broadly speaking, this crust has two components. Nuclei form solid crystal lattices near the top. Deeper, at the crust-core boundary, nuclei rearrange and form exotic shapes called "nuclear pasta." I will discuss recent work using simulations of astromaterials to interpret observations of neutron stars. In addition, I will comment on YouTube as a platform for education and public outreach.