An introduction to the theory of rotating relativistic stars

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical foundations of rotating relativistic stars, covering spacetime symmetries, coordinate choices, and structural equations derived from Einstein's theory.

Contribution

It offers a detailed pedagogical overview of the fundamental equations and properties of rotating stars in general relativity, filling a gap in accessible theoretical literature.

Findings

Derivation of structure equations from Einstein's equations

Discussion of global properties like mass and angular momentum

Analysis of spacetime symmetries in rotating stars

Abstract

These lecture notes are intended to introduce the theory of rotating stars in general relativity. The focus is put on the theoretical foundations, with a detailed discussion of the spacetime symmetries, the choice of coordinates and the derivation of the equations of structure from the Einstein equation. The global properties of rotating stars (mass, angular momentum, redshifts, orbits, etc.) are also introduced.