Astroparticle Physics: Dark Matter and Neutron Stars

This lecture provides an overview of astroparticle physics, focusing on dark matter and the evolution of massive stars. The instructor begins by discussing the challenges in directly detecting dark matter particles and the limitations of laboratory experiments. They suggest an alternative approach by utilizing astronomical observations to search for dark matter signals across various energy scales. The lecture then transitions to the evolution of massive stars, explaining how stars with masses above eight solar masses synthesize elements up to iron and the implications of the Chandrasekhar limit on stellar collapse. The instructor details the gravitational collapse of stellar cores, leading to the formation of neutron stars and their unique properties. The discussion includes the mechanisms of pulsar formation and the role of neutron stars in producing high-energy cosmic rays. The lecture concludes with insights into the detection of neutrinos from supernovae and the significance of these observations in understanding stellar evolution and the nature of dark matter.