Astroparticle Physics: Neutron Stars and Cosmic Rays

This lecture covers the fundamentals of astroparticle physics, focusing on neutron stars and their formation through supernova explosions. The instructor begins by recapping the previous lecture on the end of massive stars and the formation of neutron stars. The process of gravitational collapse is explained, detailing how massive stars form iron cores that become unstable and collapse, leading to neutronization. The lecture discusses the role of neutrinos in supernova explosions and how they contribute to the energy dynamics of neutron stars. The instructor also explains how supernova remnants act as particle accelerators, producing high-energy cosmic rays through shock wave interactions. The mechanisms of synchrotron and inverse Compton scattering are introduced, illustrating how these processes lead to the emission of gamma rays. The lecture concludes with a discussion on active galactic nuclei and their connection to cosmic rays, emphasizing the importance of understanding these phenomena in the broader context of astrophysics.