Holography (or the gauge/gravity correspondence) refers to the dual description of the same phenomena through two seemingly different theories: quantum field theory in four dimensions ("our world") and gravity in five dimensions. In some regimes, holography gives us a map to solve within one of the descriptions (classical Einstein gravity in 5D Anti-de-Sitter spacetime) something that is very...
The Milky Way is a dynamic system, exhibiting a wealth of complex processes revealed through the unprecedented precision of ESA's Gaia mission. Gaia's stellar data provide a detailed window into the ongoing dynamical evolution of our Galaxy. For instance, the Galactic bar appears to be slowing down in its angular rotation, while the outer disc shows perturbations likely caused by the passage...
Unstable domain wall (DW) networks in the early universe are cosmologically viable and can emit a large amount of gravitational waves (GW), both before and during annihilation. In my talk I will present recent results on the form of the generated GW spectrum, based on lattice simulations of the field dynamics in 3+1-dimensions.
The merger of binary systems has been identified as the cause of peculiar class of astrophysical transients discovered within the last three decades. Archival pre-outburst data on the progenitors of these transients showed an interesting fact: all but one were Hertzsprung gap stars undergoing a phase of fast expansion after hydrogen exhaustion in the core of the more massive component. This...
RR Lyrae stars are a class of variable stars whose luminosity varies periodically, with periods ranging from 0.2 to 1 day. The shape and properties of their light curves correlate with intrinsic characteristics such as luminosity and metallicity (in astrophysics, "metals" refer to all elements heavier than helium). For this reason, RR Lyrae stars are considered standard candles and have been...
