XMM-NEWTON 2024 SCIENCE WORKSHOP

 

The X-ray Mysteries of Neutron Stars and White Dwarfs

5-7 June 2024

European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC)
Villafranca del Castillo
Madrid, Spain

(click to download full poster)

 

Rationale

The X-ray emission from neutron stars and white dwarfs has been a subject of extensive research, unveiling unique insights into the high-energy phenomena occurring within these compact stellar remnants. In this meeting, we gather experts from various disciplines to delve into the latest advancements in understanding the X-ray emission processes, its origin, and the astrophysical implications associated with neutron stars and white dwarfs.

We will explore the diverse X-ray emission mechanisms, ranging from thermal emission due to accretion processes, magnetic fields, and nuclear reactions, to non-thermal emission originating from particle acceleration and magnetic reconnection events. These mechanisms provide crucial insights into the physical conditions and dynamics present in the extreme environments surrounding neutron stars and white dwarfs.

The X-ray spectra and timing properties will be discussed in detail, enabling a deeper understanding of the underlying emission mechanisms and the associated astrophysical phenomena. Spectral analysis techniques will shed light on the composition, temperature distribution, and physical parameters of the emitting regions. Furthermore, timing studies will reveal periodic and aperiodic variability, aiding in the characterization of rotational dynamics, accretion phenomena, and potential gravitational wave signatures.

In addition, we will explore the role of X-ray emission in the context of binary systems, investigating the interactions between compact objects and their stellar companions. X-ray binaries, including pulsars and cataclysmic variables, provide unique opportunities to study the accretion processes and the influence of intense magnetic fields on the X-ray emission.

Finally, we will discuss the implications of X-ray studies for our broader understanding of astrophysics. The X-ray emission from neutron stars and white dwarfs offers invaluable insights into compact object formation, stellar evolution, and the interplay between magnetic fields, radiation, and matter in extreme conditions. Synergies with radio, infrared, optical, gamma-rays and multi-messenger studies will be looked at, fostering interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations, encouraging the exchange of ideas. By collectively unraveling the high-energy mysteries, we strive to advance our understanding of these enigmatic stellar remnants and their impact on the cosmos as a whole.

Topics

  • Radio pulsars and isolated neutron stars
  • Magnetars
  • Magnetic field evolution and neutron star cooling
  • Recycled and transitional pulsars
  • Accretion on compact objects: neutron stars and white dwarfs
  • Thermonuclear explosions: X-ray bursts and novae
  • Ultra luminous X-ray sources
  • Population studies

Programme

The workshop programme will be available in due time.

The workshop will be live streamed. Details will given at a later stage.

Invited Speakers

Cristina Baglio INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Merate (LC), Italy
Alice Borghese Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
Ilaria Caiazzo California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA
Maria Camisassa Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Victor Doroshenko Eberhard-Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
Vanessa Graber University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Sebastien Guillot IRAP, Université de Toulouse, France
Craig Heinke University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Natasha Hurley-Walker ICRAR, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
Gian Luca Israel INAF, Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
Jordi Jose Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Aris Karastergiou University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Samuel Lander University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
Aaron B. Pearlman McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Ingrid Pelisoli University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
Aarran Shaw Butler University, Indianapolis, USA

Scientific Organising Committee (SOC)

Domitilla de Martino Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Naples, Italy
Emma de Oña Wilhelmi Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Zeuthen, Germany
Nathalie Degenaar University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tiziana Di Salvo Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy
Ileyk El Mellah Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile
Margarita Hernanz Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC, IEEC), Barcelona, Spain.
Manuel Linares Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Scott M. Ransom National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville, USA
Nanda Rea (chair) Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC, IEEC), Barcelona, Spain
Alicia Rouco Escorial European Space Agency, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
Samar Safi-Harb University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Simone Scaringi Durham University, UK
Norbert Schartel (co-chair) European Space Agency, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
Anna Watts University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Natalie Webb Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie, Toulouse, France

 

Local Organising Committee (LOC)

Lucia Ballo, Ignacio de la Calle, Jacobo Ebrero (chair), Felix Fürst, Cristina Hernández, Aitor Ibarra, Elena Jiménez-Bailón, Jari Kajava, José López-Miralles (co-chair), Richard Saxton, Norbert Schartel.

Important Dates

Opening of Abstract Submission Early January 2024
Deadline for Abstract Submission Friday, 23rd February 2024
Opening of Registration Early January 2024
Notification to Authors Mid-April 2024
Registration Deadline Wednesday, 29th May 2024
On-site Registration Wednesday, 5th June 2024

Abstract Submission and Registration

Abstract Submission

Abstract submission for oral presentation is closed.

Poster submission is closed.

Decisions about accepted presentations (talks and posters) will be communicated by mid-April 2024.

Registration

The registration will be free of charge.

Deadline for registration is Wednesday, 29th May 2024.

For registration, please click here      

Entering the ESAC site

When arriving at the main gate (by bus, taxi or private transportation), you will need to present a valid photo ID to the security guards. Only participants who are on their checklist are allowed to enter the site. The checklist is based on the information you have entered during online registration.

Proceedings

The proceedings of this workshop will be published as refereed articles in a special edition of the Astronomical Notes.

Accommodation and Transport

Hotel

Hotel availability in Madrid is quite limited in June and early booking is recommended. ESAC is located some 30 km west of Madrid and it will thus be best to search for a hotel in the western parts of Madrid.

Please note that XMM-Newton/ESA does not offer hotel reservation services, nor has authorised any third party to do so on its behalf.

We will not block hotel rooms for the conference in any particular hotel, but a list of recommended hotels in this area together with useful links is posted below:

Other useful links to find budget hotels:

The location of all recommended hotels is marked in the map below:

 

Transport

A shuttle bus service will be provided free of charge for transport between Madrid and ESAC and back to Madrid for the four days of the meeting. The departure location of the bus will be in front of the

Hotel Moncloa Exe
Arcipreste de Hita, 10
28015 Madrid

 

(marked green on the map), which is also very near metro stations. Please note that it is not required to stay at this hotel to make use of this service. Details about departure times will be announced in due time.

Lunch & Conference Cocktail

During the lunch breaks, a meal can be purchased in the ESAC canteen.
There will be a Conference Cocktail in the terrace of the D-building at ESAC. Details will be announced later.

Childcare Service

We are pleased to offer a Childcare Service during the three days of the workshop. The service will be given on-site at ESAC and will be available for all registered participants.

To make reservations and for further information, please contact directly the LOC at:

    xmmws2024@esa.int

Code of Conduct

As the Local Organising Committee of the workshop, we assume that all participants share our commitment to create a meeting environment that values diversity and inclusion and therefore is free from harassment. We want to promote a diverse environment with respectful and courteous behaviour and therefore we expect all participants to adhere to our Code of Conduct.

Privacy Notice

The event Privacy Notice can be found here.

Contact

    xmmws2024@esa.int