Neutron stars represent the final evolutionary phase of massive stars (between 8 and 25 times the mass of the Sun) that end their lives as core-collapse supernovae. All the physical conditions in these objects are extreme, and for this reason they represent ideal laboratories for the exploration of the properties of matter in extreme conditions, not accessible to terrestrial experiments and not found in other astrophysical contexts. Isolated neutron stars (INSs), that is, not belonging to binary systems, are of particular interest. Explaining their physics can provide a complete understanding of the final stage of evolution of massive stars.

In recent years, the Italian scientific community has contributed at a very high level to research in the field of isolated neutron stars. The researchers operate in an international context with large collaborations, and the quality of the work benefits from the synergy that has long existed between the observational and theoretical groups active in Italy. The principal research directions include multi-wavelength observations (from the infrared to gamma-rays) of Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) and Soft Gamma-Ray Repeaters (SGRs) and the associated modeling, optical and X-ray observations of X-ray Dim Isolated Neutron Stars (XDINSs) and of Central Compact Objects (CCOs) and the construction of detailed models of their surface emission, radio and X-ray observations of Rotating Radio Transients (RRaTs) and of transient magnetars, and the comparative study of these sources in relation to the other classes of Isolated Neutron Stars (INSs).

In an international context, as part of the study of RRaTs, the most important experiment in forthcoming years will be the HITRUN survey at the Parkes radio telescope, with an important Italian contribution. On a national scale, INAF participates in the research on isolated neutron stars in the following projects: Spectral and Timing Properties of Isolated Neutron Stars, Magnetars and Related Objects and the Study of Periodic and Aperiodic Variability of Cosmic X-ray Sources: Data mining in a Decade of Chandra/RXTE/Swift/XMM Databases.

These projects involve satellite observations in the X-ray band with XMM-Newton, Swift, Chandra, Suzaku and Rossi XTE; in the gamma-ray band with Integral; with the optical telescopes, VLT, Gemini and HST and finally in the radio with Parkes, GBT and the GMRT.

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Very little magnetism in this odd couple

Nov 27, 2014

The new observations of IGR J17544-2619 obtained by the NASA satellite NuSTAR have shed light onto some of the most obscure properties and behaviours of SFXTs. The unprecedented accuracy of these measurements has allowed the team led by Varun Bhalerao at the Inter University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (India), with the participation of INAF researchers Patrizia Romano and Lorenzo Natalucci, to see a cyclotron line in the X-ray spectrum of this source, the unambiguous signature of the interaction between the stellar matter and the magnetic field of the compact object that is attracting it.

4th "Paolo Farinella" Prize 2014

Apr 03, 2014

To honor the memory and the outstanding figure of Paolo Farinella (1953–2000), an extraordinary scientist and person, a prize has been established in recognition of significant contributions given in the fields of interest of Paolo, which span from planetary sciences to space geodesy, fundamental physics, science popularization, security in space, weapons control and disarmament.

First COSPAR Symposium - Abstract submission deadline extended

Jun 07, 2013

The First COSPAR Symposium will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, 11-15 November 2013. Abstract deadline has been extended to 30 June 2013.