Whispers from the edge of physics

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and methods of studying neutron stars, which involve extreme physics that cannot be replicated in laboratories, by analyzing electromagnetic and gravitational wave signals.

Contribution

It provides an overview of current knowledge, observational techniques, and the difficulties in detecting faint signals from neutron stars at the frontier of physics.

Findings

Neutron stars probe extreme physics beyond laboratory capabilities.

Electromagnetic spectrum observations are crucial for understanding neutron stars.

Gravitational wave detection from neutron stars remains challenging.

Abstract

Neutron stars involve extreme physics which is difficult (perhaps impossible) to explore in laboratory experiments. We have to turn to astrophysical observations, and try to extract information from the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, neutron stars may radiate gravitational waves through a range of scenarios. In this brief summary I outline some of the main ideas, focussing on what we do and do not know, and describe the challenges involved in trying to catch these faint whispers from the very edge of physics.