A gravitational-wave perspective on neutron-star seismology

TL;DR

This paper explores neutron-star seismology through gravitational waves, focusing on the fundamental oscillation mode to understand extreme physics in various astrophysical scenarios, including transients and binary mergers.

Contribution

It provides an overview of neutron-star seismology in gravitational-wave astronomy, emphasizing the fundamental mode and its relevance across different astrophysical phenomena.

Findings

Fundamental mode is an efficient gravitational-wave emitter.

Neutron-star seismology can probe extreme physics.

Various astrophysical scenarios impact neutron-star oscillations.

Abstract

We provide a bird's-eye view of neutron-star seismology, which aims to probe the extreme physics associated with these objects, in the context of gravitational-wave astronomy. Focussing on the fundamental mode of oscillation, which is an efficient gravitational-wave emitter, we consider the seismology aspects of a number of astrophysically relevant scenarios, ranging from transients (like pulsar glitches and magnetar flares), to the dynamics of tides in inspiralling compact binaries and the eventual merged object and instabilities acting in isolated, rapidly rotating, neutron stars. The aim is not to provide a thorough review, but rather to introduce (some of) the key ideas and highlight issues that need further attention.