Neutron star seismology - towards a relativistic Richter scale
Anna Watts, MPA Garching, Germany
The detection of seismic vibrations in the aftermath of giant flares from two
magnetars has opened up the prospect of using seismological techniques to
study neutron star properties. Initial results have included the first
direct estimate of the thickness of the neutron star crust, a strong
constraint on the nuclear equation of state. I will discuss current efforts
to improve our models of the starquake process, focusing in particular on the
effects of the strong field on the oscillations, their excitation, damping
and detectability. I will also cover prospects for future observations using
both electromagnetic and gravitational wave telescopes.