#################################################################
Table of Contents
#################################################################
1. Conferences
1.1 CompStar: the physics and astrophysics of compact stars
1.2 Essential Cosmology for the Next Generation 2012
2. Jobs
2.1 Postdoctoral position in Cosmology/Astroparticle Physics at University of Padova and INFN Padova
2.2 Postdoctoral position in Gravitational Wave Physics at the University of Roma Tor Vergata
3. News
3.1 New book - General Relativity Without Calculus
3.2 Living Reviews in Relativity: "Coalescence of Black Hole-Neutron Star Binaries"
3.3 Daniel Chalonge Medal 2011 awarded to John Mather
3.4 Read the latest CQG focus section on inhomogeneous cosmological models and averaging in cosmology
=================================================================
1. Conferences
=================================================================
1.1 CompStar: the physics and astrophysics of compact stars
------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/31/compstar-the-physics-and-astrophysi…
Starting Mon, Jun 04, 2012 to Fri, Jun 08, 2012
Location: Tahiti, French Polynesia
Additional Information: http://compstar-esf.org/tahiti
Over the last decade, compact stars have been shown to be excellent tools to test fundamental properties of gravity and matter under extreme conditions. The new generation of space X-ray and gamma-ray observatories, as well as improvements in radio telescopes and interferometric techniques, are enabling new observations and break-through discoveries. Moreover, a large multinational effort has taken place in the last decade to build detectors, offering the exciting prospect of the detection of gravitational waves.
We are thus experiencing the blooming of Astro-Nuclear Physics, an exciting research area in which the physics of compact stars plays a fundamental role. While a part of this physics relies on theories that are well tested in terrestrial laboratories and requires in most of the cases developments at the forefront of modern physics, a good part of it is basically unknown in the regimes found in compact stars.
Unveiling this picture is a task made challenging by the multidisciplinary character of the problem, which requires expertise from historically independent disciplines, such as nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics, gravitational and computational physics.
In the past four years, the European Science Foundation Research Networking Programme “CompStar - Physics of Compact Stars" has succeeded in bringing together the best European scientists in these fields, to reach a better understanding of the physics of compact stars. Presently, CompStar represents the reference European environment in which experts from different fields can collaborate, present their results and discuss the implications across disciplines. CompStar is now in its culminating stage and intends to extend this kind of network beyond Europe: the Tahiti 2012 conference is the first concrete action being taken to reach this ambitious goal. In order to mark a difference with the previous four CompStar European meetings, a venue was chosen which is geographically close to the different scientific communities we intend to interconnect: the French island of Tahiti, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is the symbolic hub of a network including the Americas, Japan, C
hina, Korea, India, Australia.
Following the spirit of CompStar, the conference will cover the
• physics of compact stars,
• astrophysics of compact stars,
• superdense matter,
• neutrino physics,
• astrochemistry,
• gravitational waves from compact stars, and
• supernova explosions.
Deadlines for registration
• early bird: September 1st, 2011 (very special flight offer), extended to September 9th, 2011
• ordinary: end 2011 (special flight offer)
• night owl: April 2012 (regular flights)
Deadline for abstract submission
• February 29th, 2012
David Blaschke, Pierre Pizzocchero, Luciano Rezzolla
(chairs of CompStar)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1.2 Essential Cosmology for the Next Generation 2012
----------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/25/essential-cosmology-for-the-next-ge…
Starting Mon, Jan 16, 2012 to Fri, Jan 20, 2012
Location: Cancún, Mexico
Additional Information: http://bccp.lbl.gov/beach_program/index2012.html
This is the 4th annual "Cosmology on the Beach" meeting, combining a winter school with the latest research results. Course lectures blend with recent research advances in plenary talks, and student/postdoc participation. We encourage a diverse group of advanced graduate students and postdocs interested in attending to apply; established researchers enthusiastic about interacting are also welcome.
Organizers: Berkeley Center for Cosmological Physics & Instituto Avanzado de Cosmologia Mexico
=================================================================
2. Jobs
=================================================================
2.1 Postdoctoral position in Cosmology/Astroparticle Physics at University of Padova and INFN Padova
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/31/postdoctoral-position-in-cosmologya…
Institution: Padova, Italy
Deadline: Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Additional Information: http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/923
The INFN PD51 research group leading the Cosmology/Astroparticle program "Inflation, Dark Matter and the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe" announces one postdoctoral position in Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, to begin in Fall 2012. The position will be a 1 + 1 year appointment and reserved for non-Italian citizens.
The post-doc research activity will be mainly related to primordial non-Gaussianity and Inflationary models.
The following Institutes participating in the program may host the Fellowship:
- Padova INFN Section and University, Italy (main node)
- Ferrara INFN Section and University, Italy
- Bologna INFN Section and University, Italy
- Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso and University of L’Aquila, Italy
- Roma Tor Vergata University, Italy
- Roma III University, Italy
- Torino University, Italy
- Trieste SISSA and University, Italy
The staff team members are:
Padova: Nicola Bartolo, Michele Liguori, Sabino Matarrese, Massimo Pietroni, Antonio Riotto.
Also present in Padova are:
Gianguido Dall'Agata, Ferruccio Feruglio, Antonio Masiero, Massimo Passera, Stefano Rigolin, Fabio Zwirner
Ferrara: Denis Comelli, Paolo Natoli
Bologna: Stefano Ettori, Fabio Finelli, Massimo Meneghetti, Lauro Moscardini
Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso and L’Aquila: Zourab Berejiani, Luigi Pilo, Francesco Villante
Roma Tor Vergata: Amedeo Balbi, Francesco Fucito, Nicola Vittorio
Roma III: Enzo Branchini
Torino: Antonaldo Diaferio, Luisa Ostorero
Trieste SISSA and University: Carlo Baccigalupi, Stefano Borgani, Stefano Cristiani, Samuel Leach, Paolo Tozzi, Matteo Viel
When applying, candidates should specify whether they want to be considered for only one or more Institutes.
For full consideration, applications should be received by October 1, 2011. Later applications might be considered until the position is filled.
Submit the following items
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement
- Publication List
- Two or More Reference Letters
online at this website: http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/923
Further Info:
Nicola Bartolo, Dipartimento di Fisica "Galileo Galilei", via Marzolo, 8-I-35131 Padova, Italy
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2.2 Postdoctoral position in Gravitational Wave Physics at the University of Roma Tor Vergata
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/02/postdoctoral-position-in-gravitatio…
Institution: Rome, Italy
Postdoctoral position in Gravitational Wave Physics at the University of Roma Tor Vergata (ref. 14538/11).
The Gravitational Wave Group at the University of Roma Tor Vergata invites applications for a two-year post-doctoral position in support of research in advanced interferometry for gravitational wave detectors.
The successful candidate will perform experimental/simulation work on the development and design of adaptive optical systems within the ongoing activity on the Thermal Compensation System for Advanced Virgo.
The Tor Vergata Gravitational Wave Group currently consists of faculty members (Eugenio Coccia, Viviana Fafone, Paolo Gorla, Yury Minenkov and Alessio Rocchi), four post-doctoral research assistants and one post-graduate student. The group has a broad research interest in gravitational-wave science, is member of the Virgo Collaboration, and has roles in the Einstein gravitational-wave Telescope Science Team. The group has excellent laboratory and computer facilities. The application form can be downloaded from:
http://www.ac.infn.it/personale/borsedistudio/pdf/getfile.php?filename=1453…
The deadline for application is 20th August 2011. Candidates must have a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Computing Science or equivalent by the date of the deadline. The candidates cannot be older than 33 years.
Documents to be attached to the application form:
- Curriculum vitae with list of publications;
- Certificate of Master Degree (with the final evaluation + scores for each course);
- Certificate of Ph.D. Degree;
Further useful information (e.g. previous contracts, support letters) can be included in the application.
For further information, informal enquiries or any help with filling up application forms (in Italian), please contact Prof. Viviana Fafone (viviana.fafone[AT]roma2.infn.it) or Prof. Eugenio Coccia (eugenio.coccia[AT]roma2.infn.it).
=================================================================
3. News
=================================================================
3.1 New book - General Relativity Without Calculus
--------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/31/new-book-general-relativity-without…
Additional Information: http://www.springer.com/physics/theoretical%2C+mathematical+%26+computation…
“General Relativity Without Calculus” offers a compact but mathematically correct introduction to the general theory of relativity, assuming only a basic knowledge of high school mathematics and physics. Targeted at first year undergraduates (and advanced high school students) who wish to learn Einstein’s theory beyond popular science accounts, it covers the basics of special relativity, Minkowski space-time, non-Euclidean geometry, Newtonian gravity, the Schwarzschild solution, black holes and cosmology. The quick-paced style is balanced by over 75 exercises (including full solutions), allowing readers to test and consolidate their understanding.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3.2 Living Reviews in Relativity: "Coalescence of Black Hole-Neutron Star Binaries"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/30/living-reviews-in-relativity-coales…
Additional Information: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2011-6
Living Reviews in Relativity has published a new review article on "Coalescence of Black Hole-Neutron Star Binaries" by Masaru Shibata and Keisuke Taniguchi on August 29, 2011.
Please find the abstract and further details below.
------------------
PUB.NO. lrr-2011-6
Shibata, Masaru and Taniguchi, Keisuke
"Coalescence of Black Hole-Neutron Star Binaries"
(incl. 30 figures and 232 references)
ACCEPTED: 2011-07-07
PUBLISHED: 2011-08-29
FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2011-6
ABSTRACT:
We review the current status of general relativistic studies for the coalescence of black hole-neutron star (BH-NS) binaries. First, procedures for a solution of BH-NS binaries in quasi-equilibrium circular orbits and the numerical results, such as quasi-equilibrium sequence and mass-shedding limit, of high-precision computation are summarized. Then, the current status of numerical-relativity simulations for the merger of the BH-NS binary is described. We summarize our understanding for the merger and/or tidal disruption process, the criterion for tidal disruption, the properties of the remnant formed after the tidal disruption, gravitational waveform, and gravitational-wave spectrum.
UPCOMING ARTICLES AT:
http://relativity.livingreviews.org/Articles/upcoming.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3.3 Daniel Chalonge Medal 2011 awarded to John Mather
-----------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/02/daniel-chalonge-medal-2011-awarded-…
Additional Information: http://chalonge.obspm.fr
Ecole Internationale d'Astrophysique Daniel Chalonge
The International Astrophysics School Daniel Chalonge has awarded the Daniel Chalonge Medal 2011 to Dr. John C. Mather, Nobel Laureate 2006 for the outstanding results of the COBE satellite, and present Senior Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, Dr. John C. Mather is a Senior Astrophysicist in the Observational Cosmology Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (College Park, Maryland, USA).
The medal was awarded to John Mather for his huge contribution to modern cosmology, in particular for his outstanding effort in promoting and leading key missions for the study of the Universe, as the COBE satellite and now the JWST, deeply discussed in the frame of the Chalonge School and the training and formation of young physicists and astrophysicists. He also contributed to ground observation programs leading advisory and working groups for the National Academy of Sciences, NASA, and the NSF (for the ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, and for the CARA, the Center for Astrophysical Research in the Antarctic). As Senior Project Scientist for the JWST, John Mather successfully leads the science team, and represents the scientific interests within the project management.
The medal was presented to John Mather on 22th July 2011 during the Open Session of the 15th Paris Cosmology Colloquium 2011 at the Observatoire de Paris HQ (historic Perrault building) in the Cassini Hall, on the meridian of Paris, which was attended by about hundred participants from the world over, among them three laureate of the Chalonge Medal: George Smoot, Nobel laureate of physics, Anthony Lasenby and Peter Biermann. John Mather brilliantly presented the JWST Program, the large infrared-optimized space telescope planned to operate from 2018 as the best successor for the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. The Chalonge Medal represents too a warm acknowledgement and support to Dr. John Mather's present and future activities in the JWST.
The Chalonge Medal, coined exclusively for the Chalonge School by the prestigious Hotel de la Monnaie de Paris (the French Mint), is a surprise award and only eight Chalonge medals have been awarded in the 20 year school history.
The list of the awarded Chalonge Medals is the following:
1991: Subramanyan Chandrasekhar, Nobel prize of physics
1992: Bruno Pontecorvo
2006: George Smoot, Nobel prize of physics
2007: Carlos Frenk
2008: Anthony Lasenby
2008: Bernard Sadoulet
2009: Peter Biermann
2011: John Mather
Science with great intellectual endeavour and a human face. True and healthy science. Outstanding gentleperson scientists. Scientists recipients of the Daniel Chalonge Medal are Ambassadors of the School.
See the announcement, full history, photo gallery and links at: http://chalonge.obspm.fr
Click on "The Daniel Chalonge Medal 2011": http://chalonge.obspm.fr/Medal_Chalonge2011.pdf
and Archives Daniel Chalonge: http://chalonge.obspm.fr/Archives_Daniel_Chalonge.html
One of the aims of the Chalonge School is to bring the attention to new programs which will produce a clearer and deeper understanding of the Universe with both innovative experiments and theory. During the 15th Paris Cosmology Colloquium 2011, the Chalonge School has made the following statement in support to the James Webb Space Telescope:
"The Ecole Internationale Daniel Chalonge considers that JWST is an exceptional opportunity for the future of astrophysics and astronomy worldwide. The Ecole Internationale Daniel Chalonge recognizes the outstanding scientific value of the JWST project, its potentiality and worldwide impact and strongly supports its development and successful completion."
Norma G. Sanchez (1), Héctor J. de Vega (2), Maria Cristina Falvella (3), Alba Zanini (4)
(1) Director of the International Daniel Chalonge School, CNRS, Observatoire de Paris, France. (2) CNRS, University Pierre & Marie Curie, Paris, France. (3) Italian Space Agency HQ, Rome, Italy. (4) Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Turin, Italy
With compliments and kind regards,
Norma G. Sanchez, Hector J. de Vega
Ecole Chalonge <chalonge.ecole[AT]obspm.fr>
http://chalonge.obspm.fr
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3.4 Read the latest CQG focus section on inhomogeneous cosmological models and averaging in cosmology
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI:
http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/08/02/read-the-latest-cqg-focus-section-i…
Additional Information: http://iopscience.iop.org/0264-9381/28/16
CQG’s latest focus section on inhomogeneous cosmological models and averaging in cosmology is now available to read on the CQG website:
http://iopscience.iop.org/0264-9381/28/16
The issue was edited by CQG Board Members Lars Andersson and Alan Coley.
The special section focuses on the physical state of the present universe and the problem of going beyond perturbation theory. The following topics are covered:
- a general overview and a discussion of the relevant issues;
- inhomogeneous cosmological models (including non-Copernican models);
- the current observations and physics of the universe and
- averaging and backreaction.
I would like to thank the guest editors and all of the authors and referees of the focus section for their contributions to this excellent issue of Classical and Quantum Gravity.
Yours sincerely
Adam Day
Publisher
Classical and Quantum Gravity
