The Athena view of the end point of stellar evolution
Abstract
White dwarfs, neutron stars and (stellar mass) black holes are all residuals of stars and are the most compact objects in our Universe. They are ideal laboratories of the physics of extreme: extreme gravitational fields, extreme magnetic fields, extreme density and associated possible exotically states of the matter. In this talk I will present the results expected from observations compact objects with the Athena satellite. I will show how the (co-)use of very high resolution spectroscopy (X-IFU) and the capability of handling large count rates (~1 Crab with WFI) will render possible breakthrough in specific and currently rather poorly known aspects related to these objects. The presentation is organized around three main topics : -accretion and ejections (wind vs jets) links in black hole microquasars -the equation of state of neutron stars -Dynamical study of accretion in white dwarf systems For all three topics I will present the expected results from observations with Athena and will discuss how Athena will permit a huge step forward in their understanding. I'll briefly mention the synergy with other instruments, specifically for the study of transients and outbursting objects.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E2764R