TAPIR Seminar

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https://caltech.zoom.us/j/92271559087?pwd=TFQ2YVk2N0FpSzhlR3JvZlFENTUyQT09

Magnetars constitute a topical class of young, isolated neutron stars characterized by their strong magnetic fields beyond the quantum critical value of 4.4 x 10^13 Gauss. In this high-field regime, exotic QED processes such as single photon splitting, resonant Compton scattering and magnetic pair creation readily proceed. In this talk, I will review the phenomenology of persistent and bursting magnetars and associated physical processes. Two prominent recent events, the Sculptor galaxy magnetar giant flare and the burst storm of SGR 1935+2154 associated with FRB-like emission will be highlighted. For the latter, I motivate and describe the low twist magnetospheric magnetar model for FRBs, which associates FRBs with short bursts that transpire in low charge density states of mature magnetars. Some theoretical and heuristic expectations will be discussed in the context of cosmological FRBs and other potential models. Some future directions for the next decade in magnetar science will also be discussed.