Theoretical Astrophysics and Gravitational Physics

Black holes, compact stars and rapidly spinning stars,the structure of the Universe, and quantum aspects of gravity will be studied analytically and numerically. Important sources of gravity waves might include binarysystems of two black holes that form in, say, galactic nuclei. Recently developed techniques will be used to study the evolution and emission properties of such binaries in order to assess their possible observational importance. Rapidly rotating neutron stars will be studied, partly in order to understand better the implications of rapid rotation for the behavior of nuclear matter. New techniques will be employed to study the oscillations and stability of rapidly rotating stellar models. Black-hole oscillations, another potentially important gravity-wave source, will also be studied. Methods for estimating the distribution of dark matter in galaxies will be used to assess the viability of attempts to experimentally detect the dark matter locally. A variety ofanalytic techniques will be employed to study how one correctly describes phenomena at the fundamental quantum level in the presence of strong gravitational fields. Particular emphasis will be placed on interactions of black holes with their environment.