Parallel Sessions Chairs (...preliminary list)
 
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Felix AHARONIAN Parallel Session: AP2 - Active Galactic Nuclei at High Energies Description: Thanks to Fermi, AGILE and ground-based Cherekov telescopes arrays, gamma-ray astronomy is currently undergoing a period of very rapid progress. The session will focus on the presentation of the most up to date results in the field of gamma-ray emission from AGN as well as the latest phenomenological and theoretical developments on emission models in the context of multiwavelenght proprties of AGN and on the interplay between the in-falling matter, the black hole and the relativistic outflow. |
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George ALEKSEEV Parallel Session: GT1 - Exact Solutions in Four and Higher Dimensions: Mathematical Aspects Description: This Parallel Session will be devoted to various mathematical aspects of the analysis of Einstein's field equations and associated mathematical structures, constructing exact solutions, development of various solution generating methods, possible interrelations of different approaches, classifications of solutions, studies of the structure and geometrical properties of particular solutions and classes of solutions in General Relativity as well as in various string modified gravity and supergravity models in four and higher dimensions. |
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Turki AL-SAUD Parallel Session: SG4 - GP-B and Lense-Thirring Measurements Description: This session will provide the most extensive account to date of the technologies and scientific results of the Gravity Probe B test of GR. Essential was the apt conjunction of space, cryogenic, and advanced control technologies. Detailed accounts will be given of the orbiting gyroscopes, cryogenic star-tracker, dewar, and unique attitude/translational control system using the boiloff gas from the dewar. An important presentation will cover lessons learned for future missions such as LISA and STEP. Three science analysis papers validate the GR findings with numerous internal and external cross checks. The theoretical introduction will relate GP-B�s Lense-Thirring measurement to the wider relevance of frame-dragging to cosmology, black hole physics, and Mach's principle. |
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Lorenzo AMATI Parallel Session: OC3 - Cosmology from GRBs Description: Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are the biggest explosions in the universe. Using the prompt emissions and the following afterglows, we have already observed the highest redshift of z=8.3 (or 9.2 photometrically), which is comparable to the most distant galaxies. The aim of this parallel session is to focus on the application of GRBs as a "NEW" cosmological tool to probe first stars, re-ionization, metal production, star formation history, as well as dark energy and dark matter evolution, up to the early universe. |
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Giovanni AMELINO-CAMELIA Parallel Session: QG2 - Quantum Gravity Phenomenology Description: Talks presented in this session will focus on the possibility of finding experimental manifestations of effects introduced at the Planck scale, relevant for the study of the quantum-gravity problem. |
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David ARNETT Parallel Session: SN1 - Multi-Dimensional Codes for Supernova Explosions |
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Neil ASHBY Parallel Session: SG1 SG2 - GR around the Earth and the Sun Description: The session deals with the recent advances in testing general relativity and alternative theories of gravitation around Earth and in the Solar System. This includes testing frame dragging and PPN gravitation with laser ranged satellites as well as with dedicated missions around Earth. Also important are the connections with geodesy and reference frames issues, now well known with the use of GPS. Testing general relativity in the framework of Solar System exploration is another important part, including the ongoing Cassini and the forthcoming BepiColombo. Modeling the dynamical environment of a probe in these different contexts is an important issue, and specific contributions in this direction are welcome. A special attention will be devoted moreover to tests of the Equivalence Principle. The verification of this cornerstone for many gravitational theories - in its various formulations - continues to be at the center of scientific interest, also for the potential impact that violations could have in our overall picture of the Universe. More info here: http://repos.ifsi-roma.inaf.it/~roberto.peron/MG13.html |
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Leor BARACK Parallel Session: AN3 - Gravitational Self-Force and Astrophysical Binaries of small mass ratios Description: The session will focus on the problem of motion in General Relativity in the context of compact binaries with small mass ratios. Topics for discussion include (1) progress at formulating and computing the gravitational self-force on small bodies orbiting black holes; (2) the use of self-force information to quantify invariant aspects of the binary dynamics beyond the geodesic approximation; (3) the application of self-force calculations to the modelling of gravitational waves from astrophysical binaries of extreme and intermediate mass-ratios; and (4) the utility of such gravitational waves as probes of strong-field gravity. |
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Jacob BEKENSTEIN Parallel Session: BH3 - Black Holes Description: No hair theorems, dirty black holes, particle dynamics on black hole backgrounds, black hole dynamics, theorems about black hole formation, quasinormal modes, entropy in dynamical backgrounds. |
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Vladimir BELINSKI Parallel Session: GT5 - Quantum Fields Description: This session is dedicated to the all aspects of the theory of quantum fields. Special interest we will pay to the quantum fields in covered space-time and to any results having applications in General Relativity. |
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Rita BERNABEI Parallel Session: AP1 - DAMA and Related Experiments Description: This Parallel Session is planned to be devoted to various experimental and theoretical arguments on Dark Matter detection. Model independent results are planned to be presented as well as some model dependent ones. Detectors features can be discussed as well as experimental and theoretical uncertainties and their implications in the interpretation and comparison of different kinds of results. Progresses on the nature of dark matter are planned to be reviewed, from the LambdaCDM scenarios to the Warm (keV scale) dark matter. Dark halo models and implications are also considered. |
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Gennady BISNOVATYI-KOGAN Parallel Session: BH2 - Magneto-Plasma Processes in Relativistic Astrophysics Description The topic of the parallel session includes different processes in strong gravitational fields, where a magnetic field and plasma properties play an important, and even decisive role. It includes magneto-rotational processes in supernova, gamma-ray bursts and jet; magnetorotational instability; structure and dynamics of accretion disks inside the ergosphere, and close to the last stable orbit of the Kerr black hole, gravitation lensing in plasma, etc. |
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David BLAIR Parallel Session: GW3 - Status of the Gravitational Wave Detectors |
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Luc BLANCHET Parallel Session: AN1 - Post-Newtonian and Analytic Approximations Description: This session will cover all analytic approximations to GR, including: post-Newtonian approximations for equations of motion and radiation field, analytic approaches to self-force problems, BH perturbations with applications to LISA sources, strong field tests of GR using gravitational waves, analytic approximations in alternative gravity theories. . |
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Christian BRACCO Parallel Session: HR1 - History of Relativity and Cosmology Description: This session will explore a wide range of historical, conceptual, and philosophical questions that arose in the development of special relativity, gravitation, general relativity (G.R), and cosmology, both in their theoretical and experimental aspects. The contributions might offer insights or analyses of topics such as early attempts at relativistic gravitation, the role of the energy-momentum tensor, gravitational waves, the development of relativistic astrophysics and cosmology, theories about the early universe, quantum gravity, etc. This session might also deal with alternative theories to G.R, biographical explorations of the activities of notable or underappreciated workers in these fields, with a special attention to mathematician�s contributions to G.R prior to 1915 (Marcel Grossmann, Tullio Levi-Civita, ...), or the way relativity has been taken into account in textbooks and teaching. |
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Dieter BRILL Parallel Session: GT3 - Theoretical Issues in GR Description: We will discuss a wide range of issues, focusing on the theoretical approach to relativistic problems such as gravitation, gravito-electromagnetism, hydrodynamics, alternative theories. |
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Alessandra BUONANNO Parallel Session: AN2 - Interfacing analytical and numerical relativity Description: This session will focus on recent developments at the interplay between analytical and numerical relativity in understanding the two-body problem in general relativity. The contributions should cover topics in the areas of gravitational-wave theory, data analysis, and astrophysics. |
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Carlo BURIGANA Parallel Session: CB2 - Astrophysics from the Radio to Submillimetre-Planck Another Experimets in Temperature and Polarization Description: This parallel session will focus on the astrophysical sky as seen by Planck and other observatories, and on the potential of Planck astrophysical data and science, including the most recent results. It will include reviews of the state of the art in these areas (diffuse emission, sources, galaxy clusters, cosmic infrared background, etc.), contributed talks on specific topics, and discussion on the state-of-the-art of Planck systematics and data analysis, in the view of fundamental physics and cosmology perspectives presented in the plenary session. The authors are invited to underline the connection between astrophysical results and fundamental physics and cosmology. |
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Sergio CAMPANA Parallel Sessions: GRB3 - Observations vs. Theory in the Swift Era GRB4 - GRB: correlations and central engine GRB3 Description: GRBs are powerful explosions in the local and distant Universe. The BeppoSAX first and the Swift satellites later led to a revolution in the observation of these objects discovering new phenomena and making possible fast multi-wavelength follow-ups. The aim of this session is to discuss and to bring together both observers and theoreticians to bridge different views. We will focus on:
GRB4 Description: despite the large theoretical effort, the central engine of GRBs remains one of the mysteries of high energy astrophysics. We will discuss central engine emission mechanisms in light of recent findings. We will focus on
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Salvatore CAPOZZIELLO Parallel Session: AT2 - Extended Theories of Gravity Description: Extended Theories of Gravity can be considered a new paradigm to cure shortcomings of General Relativity at infrared and ultraviolet scales. They are an approach that, by preserving the undoubtedly positive results of Einstein's Theory, is aimed to address conceptual and experimental problems recently emerged in Astrophysics, Cosmology and High Energy Physics. In particular, the goal is to encompass, in a self-consistent scheme, problems like Inflation, Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Large Scale Structure and, first of all, to give at least an effective description of Quantum Gravity. The basic idea of such an approach is to generalize the Hilbert-Einstein action relaxing the hypothesis that it must be linear in the Ricci scalar R. In principle, any f(R) function of R or other curvature invariants like Ricci, Riemann or Weyl tensors can be considered assuming effective theories of gravity. The general philosophy is that the true and final theory of gravity could be reconstructed, in principle, matching the phenomenology from infrared scales (astrophysics and cosmology) to ultraviolet scales (quantum field theory) going beyond a trial and error approach. |
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Sandip Kumar CHAKRABARTI Parallel Session: SO1 SO2 - Spectral and timing Properties of Astrophysical Black Holes Description: We will invite papers on all types of astrophysically relevant black holes (ranging from stellar mass to super-massive black holes). (a) Theories of accretion disks and quasi-spherical flows and the emitted spectral properties (b) Numerical simulations of accretion flows and formation of jets (c) Observations of stellar and supermassive black holes by all the past and present satellites. Predictions for future missions would be welcome. (d) Monte-Carlo simulations of radiative properties (both steady and time dependent) (e) Detailed studies of the nature of the Compton cloud, Hardening factor, viscous mechanisms etc. (f) Measurements of fundamental parameters of black holes (g) High mass and low mass X-ray binaries and their observational distinctions (h) Outburst sources (i) Quasi-periodic oscillations |
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Pisin CHEN Parallel Session: BH4 - Black Hole Evaporation, Holographic Principle, and Entropic Gravity Description: 38 years after the seminal discovery of Hawking evaporation of black holes, the notion remains in the frontiers of physics both with regard to the effect itself and the exciting new developments borne from it. The critical issues include the back-reaction and end-life of BH evaporation, alternative approaches to the Hawking effect, acoustic analog of Hawking evaporation, connections between Bekenstein entropy, entanglement entropy, and holographic principle, aspects of entropic gravity, etc. This session serves as a forum for the discussion of these open questions. |
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Alan COLEY Parallel Session: TC3 - Inhomogeneous Cosmologies, Averaging and Back Reaction Description: This session will not only examine traditional approaches to inhomogeneous cosmology such as exact solutions, but also the questions of averaging the inhomogeneous Einstein equations in terms of backreaction on average cosmological evolution, and the interpretation of observable quantities. In particular, the debate about whether this may provide realistic alternatives to homogeneous dark energy will be addressed. |
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Spiros COTSAKIS Parallel Session: GT2 - Cosmological Singularities and Asymptotics Description: We are interested in problems related to the existence and nature of cosmological singularities as well as the long term asymptotics of cosmological spacetimes in a variety of currently popular themes such as general relativity, higher derivative theories, braneworlds and string models. The development of mathematical methods currently in use for such issues is itself of special interest for this Parallel Session: Global causality theory, tensor methods, dynamical systems in finite and infinite dimensions and asymptotic analysis. |
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Paolo DE BERNARDIS Parallel Session: CB1 - CMB Experiments Description: A new generation of CMB anisotropy and polarization experiments is currently operated using large arrays of detectors, boosting the sensitivity of the surveys to unprecedented levels. The two mainstream projects are observations of the polarization of the CMB, looking for the inflationary B-modes at large and intermediate angular scales, and fine-scale measurements of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect in clusters of galaxies. In addition, Gaussianity measurements and spectral anisotropy measurements can considerably boost the scientific exploitation of the CMB measurements. In this session we will discuss results and projects, including preparation of a next-generation space-mission devoted to the Cosmic Microwave Background. |
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Massimo DELLA VALLE Parallel Sessions: GRB3 - Observations vs. Theory in the Swift Era GRB4 - GRB: correlations and central engine GRB3 Description: GRBs are powerful explosions in the local and distant Universe. The BeppoSAX first and the Swift satellites later led to a revolution in the observation of these objects discovering new phenomena and making possible fast multi-wavelength follow-ups. The aim of this session is to discuss and to bring together both observers and theoreticians to bridge different views. We will focus on:
GRB4 Description: despite the large theoretical effort, the central engine of GRBs remains one of the mysteries of high energy astrophysics. We will discuss central engine emission mechanisms in light of recent findings. We will focus on:
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Carlo DIONISI Parallel Session: AP4 - News from LHC Description:
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Victor FLAMBAUM Parallel Session: EG2 - Variation of Fundamental Constants Description: Space-time variation of fundamental constants from Big Bang to atomic clocks: theory and observations. |
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Filippo FRONTERA Parallel Session: SO5 - Future Experiments and Missions in X and Gamma Ray Description: The session will be devoted to overview open issues in high energy astrophysics and experimental activity under way to settle them. Thus, in addition to the open issues, it will deal with an overview of the X-/gamma-ray instruments now under development for future missions, scientific payloads submitted or intended to be submitted to national or international space agencies, and to missions already approved or just lunched, or on the way for their approval or disapproval by national or international space agencies. |
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Dmitri GALTSOV Parallel Session: ST1 - Planckian and Transplanckian Physics Description: The parallel session "Planckian and Transplanckian Physics" invites presentations on the following topics:
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Christian GHEZZI Parallel Session: SF3 - Strong Fields and High Energy Astrophysical events Description: This session is dedicated to the all aspects of high energy phenomena due to strong electromagnetic fields in astrophysical environments. The electromagnetic effects are studied in the black hole formation; in compact objects; and in jets. The study of electromagnetic fields in gravitational collapse is gaining renewed impulse because it is already known that high intensity fields could be generated in the collapsing matter, on the other hand the compact objects can have intense electric fields. The keywords list is (although the list is flexible): electron-positron pair creation and plasma; oscillatory electromagnetic fields; charged particle acceleration; strong electromagnetic radiation fields; electric fields in compact objects; charged core collapse; Einstein-Maxwell spacetimes; stellar gravitational collapse; Reissner-N�rdstrom black holes; Kerr-Newman black holes. |
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Paolo GIOMMI Parallel Session: AP2 - Active Galactic Nuclei at High Energies Description: Thanks to Fermi, AGILE and ground-based Cherekov telescopes arrays, gamma-ray astronomy is currently undergoing a period of very rapid progress. The session will focus on the presentation of the most up to date results in the field of gamma-ray emission from AGN as well as the latest phenomenological and theoretical developments on emission models in the context of multiwavelenght proprties of AGN and on the interplay between the in-falling matter, the black hole and the relativistic outflow. |
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Ariel GOOBAR Parallel Session: OC1 - Supernova Cosmology and the Accelerating Universe |
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Fawad HASSAN Parallel Session: AT4 - Modified Gravity Description: General relativity is definitely a beautiful theory of gravitation. However, we may have alternative approaches to explain various gravitational phenomena. Also, we are faced with big mysteries in the Universe such as dark energy and dark matter, which might be solved by a new theory of gravitation. The aim of this parallel session is to discuss such alternative approaches to gravitation. Those include, but are not restricted to, scalar-tensor theories, massive gravity, Higgs phases of gravity, as well as string theory, gravity at Lifshitz point, higher dimensions, braneworld scenarios, and higher-curvature theories. |
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Mans HENNINGSON Parallel Session: ST2 - String Theory Description: This session discusses gravitational aspects of string theory such as:
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Philippe JETZER Parallel Session: OC2 - Observational Gravitational Lensing [Microlensing] Description: Topics of the session will be both observational and theoretical works on various aspects and applications of microlensing and strong lensing: from dark matter detection to search for extrasolar planets. |
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Karl-Heinz KAMPERT Parallel Session: AP3 - Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays Description: In this session we shall focus on most recent data and on our theoretical understanding of cosmic rays from the knee to the highest energies. Moreover, novel technologies for future ground- and space-based projects, such as LHASSO, a new giant air shower project, or JEM-EUSO will be discussed. |
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Mikhail KATANAEV Parallel Session: ST3 - Multivalued Fields for Defects in Spacetime and Gravity Description: Session will be devoted to multivalued field theories and the geometric theory of defects. Defects in elastic media specity the plastic properties of solids, and their theoretical description is of great importance for material science. If defects are present, the basic variables of elasticity theory (the displacement vector field and the rotational angle field) become multivalued. Certain higher derivatives of these fields, however, remain single-valued and define a Riemann-Cartan geometry that accommodates natrually a theory of gravity with torsion, in which curvature and torsion are built from rotational and translational defects. Since these two defects are dependent of each other, physical phenomena possess equivalent descriptions, the most famous example being Einstein's teleparallel theory of gravity. |
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Roy KERR Parallel Session: BH3 - Black Holes Description: No hair theorems, dirty black holes, particle dynamics on black hole backgrounds, black hole dynamics, theorems about black hole formation, quasinormal modes, entropy in dynamical backgrounds. |
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Hagen KLEINERT Parallel Session: ST3 - Multivalued Fields for Defects in Spacetime and Gravity Description: Session will be devoted to multivalued field theories and the geometric theory of defects. Defects in elastic media specity the plastic properties of solids, and their theoretical description is of great importance for material science. If defects are present, the basic variables of elasticity theory (the displacement vector field and the rotational angle field) become multivalued. Certain higher derivatives of these fields, however, remain single-valued and define a Riemann-Cartan geometry that accommodates natrually a theory of gravity with torsion, in which curvature and torsion are built from rotational and translational defects. Since these two defects are dependent of each other, physical phenomena possess equivalent descriptions, the most famous example being Einstein's teleparallel theory of gravity. |
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Shiho KOBAYASHI Parallel Session: GRB5 - Models for GRBs Description: The session will be devoted to review and discuss open issues in the study of gamma-ray bursts. In particular, the session will focus on the physics of central engines, progenitors (compact stellar mergers and massive stellar collapses) and the prompt high energy radiation (dissipation and radiation processes). |
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Kostas KOKKOTAS Parallel Session: SN3 - Supernova Explosions and Neutron Star Oscillations Description: This session will cover both numerical and analytical work related to stellar core collapse as well as oscillations and instabilities of neutron stars. Emphasis will be placed on work that is related to the emission of gravitational waves either during a collapse or via other transient mechanisms such as glitches, magnetar flares, LMXBs, etc. |
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Michael KRAMER Parallel Session: EG3 - Compact Binaries and Strong-Field Tests of Gravity Description: This session will review, discuss and present methods and latest results on the experimental tests of theories of gravity under strong-field conditions using binary systems. There will be an update on and new results of known and new binary pulsars but we also plan to discuss gravity tests using other binary systems observed at different astronomical windows. Experimental as well as theory talks addressing this and related issues are welcome. |
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Pawan KUMAR Parallel Session: GRB2 - First minutes of GRBs: physics of prompt emission, central engine, and progenitor Description: Although significant progress has been made toward our understanding of GRB afterglow, the physics of GRB prompt emission, central engine, and progenitor is still poorly understood. Recent observations led by Fermi and Swift have revealed puzzling observational facts that call for a rethinking of the theoretical framework. This session will gather observers and theorists to discuss the first several minutes of GRBs. Topics include lightcurves, spectra, polarization properties of prompt emission and early afterglows, composition of the GRB ejecta, mechanisms of energy dissipation, particle acceleration, and radiation, as well as observational signatures of the GRB central engine and the progenitor star. |
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Jutta KUNZ Parallel Session: BH1 - Black Holes in Higher Dimensions (Black Rings and Black Strings) Description: The focus of this session will be the presentation of various types of higher dimensional black hole solutions and the discussion of their properties, including stability, thermodynamics or production at LHC. |
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Claus LAEMMERZAHL Parallel Session: EG1 - Experimental Gravitation Description: General Relativity (GR) is based on the Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP). Accordingly, the first class of experiments searching for deviations from GR test the various aspects of the EEP. If the EEP is fulfilled gravity is described by a metric theory. Therefore, the other class of experiments/observations is related to the question how the space-time metric can be determined from the matter. Within GR this is given by the Einstein field equations. Deviations from that can be parametrized by the PPN parameters. Many astrophysical observations and space experiments are devoted to better estimates for these PPN parameters. This session is covers all these laboratory and space tests and astronomical observations. Also tests with quantum matter are included. |
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Pablo LAGUNA Parallel Session: AN4 - Numerical Simulations of Binary Black Holes Description: This session will examine recent numerical relativity developments on simulations of binary systems with black hole and/or neutron star components. In particular, the discussion will focus on: (1) gravitational recoil, (2) mixed binaries and short GRBs, (3) supermassive black hole mergers in astrophysical environments, and (3) black hole binaries and gravitational wave templates. |
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Albert LAZZARINI Parallel Session: GW4 - Underground Gravitational Wave Detectors Description: This session aims at giving an overview of current activities in the planning, construction and operation of underground GW detectors and the related technological challenges. |
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José LEMOS Parallel Session: AT3 - Gravitational Fields with Sources, Regular Black Holes, Quasiblack Holes, and Analog Black Holes Description: This session will focus on exact solutions of the field equations, Einstein's or alternative, sourced by physically interesting matter distributions. |
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Jerzy LEWANDOWSKI Parallel Session: QG1 - Loop Quantum Gravity, Quantum Geometry, Spin Foams Description: Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG), a framework suited to quantize general relativity, has seen rapid progress in the last three years. The results achieved strongly suggest that the goal of finding a working and predictive quantum theory of gravity is within reach. For specific kinds of matter couplings, a way to drastically simplify the dynamics and its physical interpretation has been discovered. It gives rise to a set of examples of theories of gravity coupled to the fields in which the canonical quantization scheme can be completed. Independently, there have been important breakthroughs in the path integral formulation of the theory related to the so called Spin Foam Models. The session will review the results of canonical Loop Quantum Gravity and Spin Foam Models with the emphasis on the models admitting local degrees of freedom without the symmetry (or any other) reduction. Related approaches to quantum gravity will be also welcome. The common theme is the background independent quantization of Einstein's gravity and the occurrence of quantum geometry. |
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Yu-Qing LOU Parallel Session: SF4 - Relativistic MHD Flows and Electron-Positron Plasma Description: There are several astrophysical settings involving relativistic MHD flows and/or electron-positron pair plasma. Examples include relativistic magnetized pulsar winds and pulsar wind nebulae, relativistic MHD astrophysical jets from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and surrounding disks, supernova explosions and perhaps gamma-ray bursts. Relevant aspects involve rotations, magnetic fields, mass accretions, shocks, particle accelerations, plasma heating, MHD turbulence, and various radiative signatures etc. This session deals with the basic physics and the pertinent topics of observations, theories, simulations and diagnostics. |
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Harald LÜCK Parallel Session: GW4 - Underground Gravitational Wave Detectors Description: This session aims at giving an overview of current activities in the planning, construction and operation of underground GW detectors and the related technological challenges. |
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Luciano MAIANI Parallel Session: AP4 - News from LHC Description:
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Manuel MALHEIRO Parallel Session: SF1 - Origin and physics of Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars Description: Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters (SGR) and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXP) are likely to contain some of the strongest magnetic fields in the Universe. According to the magnetar model, they consist of isolated neutron stars whose impulsive and persistent electromagnetic emission is powered by magnetic energy. Aim of this Parallel Session is to discuss the most recent observational and theoretical results on AXP/SGR, with an emphasis on their connections with other relativistic objects, and taking advantage of constructive scrutiny of alternative explanations. |
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Szabolcs MARKA Parallel Session: GW2 - Gravitational Wave and Multimessenger Astronomy Description: This section is devoted to review and discuss the multi-messenger approach, incorporating gravitational waves, X and gamma-rays, neutrinos and wide field optical observations. We will focused the attention on the recent GW astrophysics results, data analysis, methods and search ideas that aim to detect or set limit on astrophysical sources that emit in multiple channels such as electromagnetic and particle channels as well as in gravitational waves. Multimessenger astronomy using gravitational waves currently follow three main strategies, gravitational-wave searches triggered by non GW detectors as gamma-ray and neutrinos, electromagnetic follow-ups of gravitational wave candidate events, and approaches where all messengers are used on more or less equal base. In addition, in this section, multimessenger concepts and phenomenological studies incorporating present work, expected results, or innovative ideas for the future from combination of electromagnetic, particle and GW detectors are very welcome. |
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Silvia MASI Parallel Session: CB1 - CMB Experiments Description: A new generation of CMB anisotropy and polarization experiments is currently operated using large arrays of detectors, boosting the sensitivity of the surveys to unprecedented levels. The two mainstream projects are observations of the polarization of the CMB, looking for the inflationary B-modes at large and intermediate angular scales, and fine-scale measurements of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect in clusters of galaxies. In addition, Gaussianity measurements and spectral anisotropy measurements can considerably boost the scientific exploitation of the CMB measurements. In this session we will discuss results and projects, including preparation of a next-generation space-mission devoted to the Cosmic Microwave Background. |
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Lucio MAYER Parallel Session: TC1 - Supermassive Black Holes in Cosmic Structure Formation: Nature and Origin TC2 - Supermassive Black Holes in Cosmic Structure Formation: Coalescence and Effect on Galaxy Formation Description: Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are ubiquitous at the center of galaxies, the prime example being our own Milky Way. They are thought to be present already less than a billion year after the Big Bang, probably contributing to how galaxies themselves develop. Mergers of SMBHs should result in the loudest gravitational wave signals, providing a powerful way to test General Relativity. Yet the origin and co-evolution of SMBHs with the host galaxies, including modes and timescales of black hole mergers, are still poorly understood. Likewise, the energy feedback of SMBHs, resulting from radiative losses in the accretion flow, is assumed to have a key role in shaping galaxy evolution but the actual mechanism of energy transfer is unclear. In this extended parallel session we will discuss these different but interconnected topical issues, confronting the latest ideas and models and trying to bridge different areas of research such as cosmic structure formation and numerical relativity calculations of SMBH mergers. |
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Andrew MELATOS Parallel Session: GW1 - Sources of Gravitational Waves Description: The main aims of the session are: (1) to review recent progress in source modelling; (2) to discuss how GW detections can help solve problems in astrophysics and cosmology, e.g. binary star evolution; and (3) to explore ways in which GW signals can be combined with source models to answer fundamental questions in physics that cannot be probed easily in terrestrial laboratories, e.g. neutrino transport in ultradense environments, nuclear equation of state, origin of superstrong magnetic fields, et cetera. |
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Sandro MEREGHETTI Parallel Session: SF1 - Origin and physics of Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars Description: Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters (SGR) and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXP) are likely to contain some of the strongest magnetic fields in the Universe. According to the magnetar model, they consist of isolated neutron stars whose impulsive and persistent electromagnetic emission is powered by magnetic energy. Aim of this Parallel Session is to discuss the most recent observational and theoretical results on AXP/SGR, with an emphasis on their connections with other relativistic objects, and taking advantage of constructive scrutiny of alternative explanations. |
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David MERRITT Parallel Session: EG4 - Self-Gravitating System Description: Galaxy nuclei and the cores of globular clusters are regions where the density of stars can reach millions per cubic parsec. Modeling the dynamical evolution of such systems is critical for understanding a number of fundamental processes, including core collapse, the creation of massive black holes, and the generation of gravitational waves. But the computational challenges are severe, due to the large range in time scales; the steepness of gravitational force gradients near a massive compact object; the need to include relativistic corrections to the equations of motion; and finite-size (collisional) effects, among other factors. This session will focus on recent progress in this area. |
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Eckehard MIELKE Parallel Session: QG3 - Asymptotic Safeness and Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Gravity Description: Weinberg's idea of 1976 that gravity may have an asymptotic safe renormalization flow has found renewed interest. The session will be dedicated to issues like exact renormalization flow equations, unitarity, truncations in the space of extended theories, and its relation to topological gravity models with standard Einsteinian gravity emerging after symmetry breaking, cf. PLB 702 (2011) 187. |
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Sergej MOISEENKO Parallel Session: BH2 - Magneto-Plasma Processes in Relativistic Astrophysics Description The topic of the parallel session includes different processes in strong gravitational fields, where a magnetic field and plasma properties play an important, and even decisive role. It includes magneto-rotational processes in supernova, gamma-ray bursts and jet; magnetorotational instability; structure and dynamics of accretion disks inside the ergosphere, and close to the last stable orbit of the Kerr black hole, gravitation lensing in plasma, etc. |
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Paulo MONIZ Parallel Session: CM4 - Quantum Cosmology and Quantum Effects in the Early Universe Description: In this session I propose, besides regular talks, to bring a discussion on selecting challenges for quantum cosmology, as an opportunity to (re-) introduce enticing problems to interested researchers. Depending on the number of talks we could, eg, split the 4 hours into two sets of, say, 1h30-2h, more or less, with one such slot for 10m talks and the other for a discussion on, eg, quantum cosmology potential 'new' directions. |
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Shinji MUKOHYAMA Parallel Session: AT4 - Modified Gravity Description: General relativity is definitely a beautiful theory of gravitation. However, we may have alternative approaches to explain various gravitational phenomena. Also, we are faced with big mysteries in the Universe such as dark energy and dark matter, which might be solved by a new theory of gravitation. The aim of this parallel session is to discuss such alternative approaches to gravitation. Those include, but are not restricted to, scalar-tensor theories, massive gravity, Higgs phases of gravity, as well as string theory, gravity at Lifshitz point, higher dimensions, braneworld scenarios, and higher-curvature theories. |
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Ewald MÜLLER Parallel Session: SN3 - Supernova Explosions and Neutron Star Oscillations Description: This session will cover both numerical and analytical work related to stellar core collapse as well as oscillations and instabilities of neutron stars. Emphasis will be placed on work that is related to the emission of gravitational waves either during a collapse or via other transient mechanisms such as glitches, magnetar flares, LMXBs, etc. |
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Alessandro NAGAR Parallel Session: AN2 - Interfacing analytical and numerical relativity Description: This session will focus on recent developments at the interplay between analytical and numerical relativity in understanding the two-body problem in general relativity. The contributions should cover topics in the areas of gravitational-wave theory, data analysis, and astrophysics. |
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Hans-Ulric NORGAARD-NIELSEN Parallel Session: CB2 - Astrophysics from the radio to submillimetre - Planck Mission Description: This parallel session will focus on the astrophysical sky as seen by Planck and other observatories, and on the potential of Planck astrophysical data and science, including the most recent results. It will include reviews of the state of the art in these areas (diffuse emission, sources, galaxy clusters, cosmic infrared background, etc.), contributed talks on specific topics, and discussion on the state-of-the-art of Planck systematics and data analysis, in the view of fundamental physics and cosmology perspectives presented in the plenary session. The authors are invited to underline the connection between astrophysical results and fundamental physics and cosmology. |
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Paolo PANI Parallel Session: AT3 - Gravitational Fields with Sources, Regular Black Holes, Quasiblack Holes, and Analog Black Holes Description: This session will focus on exact solutions of the field equations, Einstein's or alternative, sourced by physically interesting matter distributions. |
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Roberto PERON Parallel Session: SG1 SG2 - GR around the Earth and the Sun Description: The session deals with the recent advances in testing general relativity and alternative theories of gravitation around Earth and in the Solar System. This includes testing frame dragging and PPN gravitation with laser ranged satellites as well as with dedicated missions around Earth. Also important are the connections with geodesy and reference frames issues, now well known with the use of GPS. Testing general relativity in the framework of Solar System exploration is another important part, including the ongoing Cassini and the forthcoming BepiColombo. Modeling the dynamical environment of a probe in these different contexts is an important issue, and specific contributions in this direction are welcome. A special attention will be devoted moreover to tests of the Equivalence Principle. The verification of this cornerstone for many gravitational theories - in its various formulations - continues to be at the center of scientific interest, also for the potential impact that violations could have in our overall picture of the Universe. More info here: http://repos.ifsi-roma.inaf.it/~roberto.peron/MG13.html |
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Elena PIAN Parallel Session: SO3 - Observations from High Energy Astrophysics Satellites Description: SO3 summarizes recent results from high energy astrophysics observations with the main focus on space based satellites and observatories. The session primarily highlights observations from missions such as CHANDRA, XMM-Newton, Suzaku, Swift, Integral, and FERMI which are related to science involving strong gravity environments as found near neutron stars and black holes but also gravity environments on large scales such as clusters of galaxies. The session also includes science programs proposed for future missions. Observations relate to recent advances in gravitation, general relativity, field theories, experimental tests including relativistic aspects of high energy astrophysics. More details can be found at: http://space.mit.edu/home/nss/mg13.html . |
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Nelson PINTO-NETO Parallel Session: CM3 - Nonsingular Cosmology Description: Session will be devoted to discussion of non-singular cosmological models with emphasis in classical and quantum bouncing scenarios. The main observational consequences of the bouncing with respect to the evolution of small perturbations in different epochs (before and/or after the bouncing) will be discussed. Other consequences of a previous collapsing phase will be examined to answer the fundamental question: how to decide by actual observations on the existence of such previous phase ? |
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Tsvi PIRAN Parallel Session: GRB5 - Models for GRBs Description: The session will be devoted to review and discuss open issues in the study of gamma-ray bursts. In particular, the session will focus on the physics of central engines, progenitors (compact stellar mergers and massive stellar collapses) and the prompt high energy radiation (dissipation and radiation processes). |
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David POLARSKI Parallel Session: CM2 - Dark Energy and the Accelerating Universe Description: This parallel session will be devoted to the study of the nature and the physical properties of Dark Energy producing the observed accelerated expansion of the present Universe. It will cover the phenomenological reconstruction of dark energy properties from observations, as well as consideration of a wide variety of theoretical models aimed to explain existing observational data, including modified gravity models and those with interplay between dark energy and dark matter. |
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Jorge PULLIN Parallel Session: QG4 - Loop quantum gravity: cosmology and black holes Description: The session is devoted to the applications of loop quantum gravity to cosmological and black hole spacetimes. These will include various models studied in symmetry reduced spacetimes, such as in loop quantum cosmology, spin foam cosmology and physical implications of black hole entropy calculations. It will cover analytical and numerical methods, phenomenological applications and observational signatures in the above broad area of research. |
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Johann RAFELSKI Parallel Session: SF2 - Compact Ultra Dense Objects at Extreme Energy Density Description: Theoretical and observational advances addressing Compact Ultra Dense Objects at Extreme Energy Density in Astrophysics with special attention given to contributions addressing vacuum structure and decay, including QCD (de)confinement and EW-Higgs vacuum, the role of strangeness and other heavy flavor, and stabilization by gravity. |
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Harvey REALL Parallel Session: AT1 - Higher dimensional General Relativity Description: This session will discuss General Relativity in more than four spacetime dimensions. Suitable topics include: explicit solutions and their properties, solution generating techniques, mathematical aspects of the theory, numerical simulation. |
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Fulvio RICCI Parallel Session: GW2 - Gravitational Wave and Multimessenger Astronomy Description: This section is devoted to review and discuss the multi-messenger approach, incorporating gravitational waves, X and gamma-rays, neutrinos and wide field optical observations. We will focused the attention on the recent GW astrophysics results, data analysis, methods and search ideas that aim to detect or set limit on astrophysical sources that emit in multiple channels such as electromagnetic and particle channels as well as in gravitational waves. Multimessenger astronomy using gravitational waves currently follow three main strategies, gravitational-wave searches triggered by non GW detectors as gamma-ray and neutrinos, electromagnetic follow-ups of gravitational wave candidate events, and approaches where all messengers are used on more or less equal base. In addition, in this section, multimessenger concepts and phenomenological studies incorporating present work, expected results, or innovative ideas for the future from combination of electromagnetic, particle and GW detectors are very welcome. |
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Jorge RUEDA Parallel Session: SF2 - Compact Ultra Dense Objects at Extreme Energy Density Description: Theoretical and observational advances addressing Compact Ultra Dense Objects at Extreme Energy Density in Astrophysics with special attention given to contributions addressing vacuum structure and decay, including QCD (de)confinement and EW-Higgs vacuum, the role of strangeness and other heavy flavor, and stabilization by gravity. |
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Felix RYDE Parallel Session: GRB1 - Photospheric Emission in GRBs Description: Early models of cosmological GRBs predicted the observed spectrum to be nearly blackbody. Observations were at odds with this prediction, and different theoretical models assuming optically thin emission have been put forward. However, models of such non thermal emission appear to be inconsistent with observations of steep spectra in early phases of many GRBs. Instead models involving photospheric emission producing modifed blackbody spectra explain such observed spectra quite naturally. We plan to discuss physical aspects of photospheric emission in ultrarelativistic sources as well as observational issues related to the detection of such a photospheric component in GRBs. Special attention is expected to be given to sub-photospheric dissipation mechanisms, geometric and dynamical effects, jet content, and additional components in the observed spectrum. More info: http://www.icranet.org/veresh/grb1 |
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Enn SAAR Parallel Session: OC4 - New developments in the study of the large scale structure of the Universe Description: In this session we plan to discuss the recent progress with respect to the analysis of the Cosmic Web and its dynamical evolution. A range of mathematical, geometrical and topological instruments have opened up new avenues to explore the complexity, connectivity and multiscale nature of the structures outlined by the Megaparsec galaxy and matter distribution. Recent advances have succeeded in opening up insight into the full phase-space structure of the emerging structures. These new insights attain additional significance for our attempt to understand environmental influences on the formation and evolution of galaxies. In this session we will bring together experts on the analysis of the observed galaxy distribution and on the theory and simulations of structure formation. Special attention will be given to the development and exploitation of new analysis tools.. |
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Misao SASAKI Parallel Session: CM1 - Inflation Description: Any topics about the inflationary universe. |
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Norbert SCHULZ Parallel Session: SO3 - Observations from High Energy Astrophysics Satellites Description: SO3 summarizes recent results from high energy astrophysics observations with the main focus on space based satellites and observatories. The session primarily highlights observations from missions such as CHANDRA, XMM-Newton, Suzaku, Swift, Integral, and FERMI which are related to science involving strong gravity environments as found near neutron stars and black holes but also gravity environments on large scales such as clusters of galaxies. The session also includes science programs proposed for future missions. Observations relate to recent advances in gravitation, general relativity, field theories, experimental tests including relativistic aspects of high energy astrophysics. More details can be found at: http://space.mit.edu/home/nss/mg13.html |
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Susan SCOTT Parallel Session: GT4 - Exact Solutions (Physical Aspects) Description: In this session we will consider physical aspects of exact solutions of Einstein's equation and higher dimensional theories. This will include all issues related to the global structure of these solutions, the physical interpretation of the solutions and the analysis of their physical properties including symmetries and singularity structure. |
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Masaru SHIBATA Parallel Session: AN5 - Numerical analysis of coalescing binaries Description: In this session, we will discuss the latest progress on the simulations of binary neturon stars and black hole-neutron star binaries in numerical relativity, in particular fosucing on gravitational waves computed and their analyses, as well as the final outcome formed after the merger, which could be the central engine of short gamma ray bursts. |
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Parampreet SINGH Parallel Session: QG4 - Loop quantum gravity: cosmology and black holes Description: The session is devoted to the applications of loop quantum gravity to cosmological and black hole spacetimes. These will include various models studied in symmetry reduced spacetimes, such as in loop quantum cosmology, spin foam cosmology and physical implications of black hole entropy calculations. It will cover analytical and numerical methods, phenomenological applications and observational signatures in the above broad area of research. |
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Jesper SOLLERMAN Parallel Session: OC1 - Supernova Cosmology and the Accelerating Universe |
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Alexei STAROBINSKY Parallel Session: CM2 - Dark Energy and the Accelerating Universe Description: This parallel session will be devoted to the study of the nature and the physical properties of Dark Energy producing the observed accelerated expansion of the present Universe. It will cover the phenomenological reconstruction of dark energy properties from observations, as well as consideration of a wide variety of theoretical models aimed to explain existing observational data, including modified gravity models and those with interplay between dark energy and dark matter. |
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Yukikatsu TERADA Parallel Session: SO4 - White Dwarf Pulsars and Rotating White Dwarf Theory Description: Pulsars are conventionally considered to be rotating neutron stars, which have been regarded as a textbook case of particle acceleration site emitting radiation in the wide energy band. Pulsars are the very simple system, rotating magnets. White dwarfs, having the same structures of magnetospheres as neutron stars, can have such activities. �Why we do not have White Dwarf Pulsars (WDP) when we have many kinds of neutron star pulsars� is a basic question in rotating magnetic compact objects. Recently, several observational approaches to search for white dwarf pulsars are performed in high energy photon bands. The aims of this section are 1) to focus on current results and future prospects of WDP observations and 2) to discuss on the particle acceleration process, emission mechanisms, and structures of magnetosphere etc of WDP in comparison with neutron-star pulsar cases. More info here: http://www.heal.phy.saitama-u.ac.jp/~terada/mg13so04.htm |
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Rien VAN DE WEYGAERT Parallel Session: OC4 - New developments in the study of the large scale structure of the Universe Description: In this session we plan to discuss the recent progress with respect to the analysis of the Cosmic Web and its dynamical evolution. A range of mathematical, geometrical and topological instruments have opened up new avenues to explore the complexity, connectivity and multiscale nature of the structures outlined by the Megaparsec galaxy and matter distribution. Recent advances have succeeded in opening up insight into the full phase-space structure of the emerging structures. These new insights attain additional significance for our attempt to understand environmental influences on the formation and evolution of galaxies. In this session we will bring together experts on the analysis of the observed galaxy distribution and on the theory and simulations of structure formation. Special attention will be given to the development and exploitation of new analysis tools.. |
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Gregory VERESHCHAGIN Parallel Session: GRB1 - Photospheric Emission in GRBs Description: Early models of cosmological GRBs predicted the observed spectrum to be nearly blackbody. Observations were at odds with this prediction, and different theoretical models assuming optically thin emission have been put forward. However, models of such non thermal emission appear to be inconsistent with observations of steep spectra in early phases of many GRBs. Instead models involving photospheric emission producing modifed blackbody spectra explain such observed spectra quite naturally. We plan to discuss physical aspects of photospheric emission in ultrarelativistic sources as well as observational issues related to the detection of such a photospheric component in GRBs. Special attention is expected to be given to sub-photospheric dissipation mechanisms, geometric and dynamical effects, jet content, and additional components in the observed spectrum. More info: http://www.icranet.org/veresh/grb1 |
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Jean-Yves VINET Parallel Session: GW3 - Status of the Gravitational Wave Detectors |
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Stefano VITALE Parallel Session: SG3 - Lisa Pathfinder and Space-Borne Gravitational Wave Detectors Description: The session is devoted to space-borne gravitational wave observatories. The session will deal both with the development status of instrumentation, with special emphasis on LISA Pathfinder, ESA�s mission approaching launch, and with the progress on understanding the revolutionary science potential of these observatories. LISA Pathfinder status and performance, space-borne interferometry, LISA/eLISA observatory configuration and performance, massive black-hole gravitational astrophysics and cosmology, dynamics of compact binaries, and studies at event horizons are example of themes to be treated during the session. |
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David WILTSHIRE Parallel Session: TC3 - Inhomogeneous Cosmologies, Averaging and Back Reaction Description: This session will not only examine traditional approaches to inhomogeneous cosmology such as exact solutions, but also the questions of averaging the inhomogeneous Einstein equations in terms of backreaction on average cosmological evolution, and the interpretation of observable quantities. In particular, the debate about whether this may provide realistic alternatives to homogeneous dark energy will be addressed. |
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Shesheng XUE Parallel Session: SF3 - Strong Fields and High Energy Astrophysical events Description: This session is dedicated to the all aspects of high energy phenomena due to strong electromagnetic fields in astrophysical environments. The electromagnetic effects are studied in the black hole formation; in compact objects; and in jets. The study of electromagnetic fields in gravitational collapse is gaining renewed impulse because it is already known that high intensity fields could be generated in the collapsing matter, on the other hand the compact objects can have intense electric fields. The keywords list is (although the list is flexible): electron-positron pair creation and plasma; oscillatory electromagnetic fields; charged particle acceleration; strong electromagnetic radiation fields; electric fields in compact objects; charged core collapse; Einstein-Maxwell spacetimes; stellar gravitational collapse; Reissner-N�rdstrom black holes; Kerr-Newman black holes. |
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Daisuke YONETOKU Parallel Session: OC3 - Cosmology from GRBs Description: Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are the biggest explosions in the universe. Using the prompt emissions and the following afterglows, we have already observed the highest redshift of z=8.3 (or 9.2 photometrically), which is comparable to the most distant galaxies. The aim of this parallel session is to focus on the application of GRBs as a "NEW" cosmological tool to probe first stars, re-ionization, metal production, star formation history, as well as dark energy and dark matter evolution, up to the early universe. |
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Bing ZHANG Parallel Session: GRB2 - First minutes of GRBs: physics of prompt emission, central engine, and progenitor Description: Although significant progress has been made toward our understanding of GRB afterglow, the physics of GRB prompt emission, central engine, and progenitor is still poorly understood. Recent observations led by Fermi and Swift have revealed puzzling observational facts that call for a rethinking of the theoretical framework. This session will gather observers and theorists to discuss the first several minutes of GRBs. Topics include lightcurves, spectra, polarization properties of prompt emission and early afterglows, composition of the GRB ejecta, mechanisms of energy dissipation, particle acceleration, and radiation, as well as observational signatures of the GRB central engine and the progenitor star. |
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Shuang-Nan ZHANG Parallel Session: SO5 - Future Experiments and Missions in X and Gamma Ray Description: The session will be devoted to overview open issues in high energy astrophysics and experimental activity under way to settle them. Thus, in addition to the open issues, it will deal with an overview of the X-/gamma-ray instruments now under development for future missions, scientific payloads submitted or intended to be submitted to national or international space agencies, and to missions already approved or just lunched, or on the way for their approval or disapproval by national or international space agencies. |