Astrophysis of Compact Objects

Compact objects (black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs) play a major role in modern astrophysics. They are associated with some of the most exotic phenomena and environments in the universe. Compact objects have been observed in all electromagnetic wave bands, from radio to gamma rays, and are likely to be detected in gravitational waves in the coming decade. Compact objects are also important from a fundamental physics point of view. Their strong gravities, high densities and magnetic fields provide an avenue for exploring physics under extreme conditions. In addition, compact objects are used as an astronomical tool, probing the property of the interstellar medium and the expansion of the universe. The international conference "Astrophysics of Compact Objects" covered recent observational and theoretical developments in the study of neutron stars, black holes and white dwarfs, including their various observational manifestations such as pulsars, magnetars, x-ray binaries, supernovae and gamma ray bursts, as well as future observational prospects. While the meeting focused on stellar compact objects, the common astrophysics (such as accretion) associated with both galactic and supermassive black holes was also covered.