NICER Mission: Exploring Neutron Star Physics and Astrophysics from the ISS

Explore the cutting-edge research of the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission in this 39-minute conference talk by Zaven Arzoumanian. Delve into the fascinating world of neutron stars, their extreme physical properties, and their role in advancing our understanding of fundamental physics beyond Earth-based experiments. Learn about NICER's key objectives in probing matter at the highest stable densities in the universe, found only in neutron star cores. Discover how these extraordinary celestial objects, with their intense gravity, powerful magnetic fields, and incredible spin rates, offer unique opportunities to study exotic physics. Gain insights into NICER's soft X-ray observations from the International Space Station (ISS) and its contributions to our knowledge of neutron stars, black holes, and other X-ray sources in the cosmos. Uncover the mission's central role in deepening our comprehension of the physics governing these extreme astrophysical phenomena.