About this Research Topic
Since the theoretical proposal of neutron stars in the 1930s and the observational discovery of pulsars in the 1960s, neutron star physics has opened a new window into the extremes of the universe. With the simultaneous development of quantum chromodynamics in the 1970s, the hypothetical notion of strange quark matter and strange quark stars was born. In the 21st century, the physics of compact stars have been actively explored. In recent years, observational advances, especially the detection of gravitational waves, have led us to multi-messenger astrophysics, which enhance our ability to probe the nature of these compact stars. However, there are still many challenges in this flourishing field. The equations of state are not firmly determined. The existence of hybrid stars associated with hadron-quark phase transition is not conclusive. Distinguishing between neutron stars and quark stars remains a challenge.
The primary aim of this research topic is to gather cutting-edge research that sheds light on the distinct characteristics of neutron stars and quark stars, especially on their internal compositions and observable manifestations. We encourage contributions that explore the latest advancements in observational techniques, computational modeling, and theoretical frameworks, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of these enigmatic objects.
We welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Novel techniques or methodologies for detections of neutron stars and quark stars in observations.
• Equation of state constraints: studies that utilize nuclear theory or experiment, and pulsar observations to place constraints on the state of dense matter equation.
• Gravitational wave data analysis: research that develops novel techniques for analyzing gravitational wave signals from compact star systems.
• High-energy emission: exploration of the high-energy emissions from neutron stars or quark stars, including emissions of radio transients, X-ray, gamma-ray, neutrinos and their implications.
• Asteroseismology: exploration of oscillations due to pulsations, quasi-periodic oscillations, or other phenomena, offering insights into the internal dynamics of compact stars.
• Magnetars: research focused on highly magnetized neutron stars or quark stars, exploring their magnetic field effects, bursts, and other magnetospheric phenomena.
• Quark nuggets, quark stars, quark dwarfs, quark planets: Exploration of bulk quark matter or finite-size quark nuggets.
• Phase transitions that might occur within the core of neutron stars and their implications for observable properties.
Review articles on these topics are also welcome.
The primary aim of this research topic is to gather cutting-edge research that sheds light on the distinct characteristics of neutron stars and quark stars, especially on their internal compositions and observable manifestations. We encourage contributions that explore the latest advancements in observational techniques, computational modeling, and theoretical frameworks, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of these enigmatic objects.
We welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Novel techniques or methodologies for detections of neutron stars and quark stars in observations.
• Equation of state constraints: studies that utilize nuclear theory or experiment, and pulsar observations to place constraints on the state of dense matter equation.
• Gravitational wave data analysis: research that develops novel techniques for analyzing gravitational wave signals from compact star systems.
• High-energy emission: exploration of the high-energy emissions from neutron stars or quark stars, including emissions of radio transients, X-ray, gamma-ray, neutrinos and their implications.
• Asteroseismology: exploration of oscillations due to pulsations, quasi-periodic oscillations, or other phenomena, offering insights into the internal dynamics of compact stars.
• Magnetars: research focused on highly magnetized neutron stars or quark stars, exploring their magnetic field effects, bursts, and other magnetospheric phenomena.
• Quark nuggets, quark stars, quark dwarfs, quark planets: Exploration of bulk quark matter or finite-size quark nuggets.
• Phase transitions that might occur within the core of neutron stars and their implications for observable properties.
Review articles on these topics are also welcome.
Keywords: Neutron stars, quark stars, pulsars, equation of state, Quantum chromodynamics
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
