Compact Objects in Astrophysics

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Compact objects are crucial in contemporary astronomical research. Supermassive black holes enhance our understanding of galaxy formation in the early Universe, while old white dwarfs serve to calibrate its age. Mergers of neutron stars and black holes generate intense gravitational waves, which will soon be measured by detectors. This work provides a comprehensive introduction and current overview of the physical processes behind compact objects, from foundational concepts to the latest findings and observations. It begins with a taxonomy of compact objects and the basic principles of general relativity. The author delves into the physics and observations of white dwarfs and neutron stars, including recent equations of state for neutron star matter, as well as the gravitational fields of rapidly rotating compact objects and rotating black holes, exploring topics like ray tracing and black hole magnetospheres. Gravitational waves and new insights into accretion processes via magnetorotational instability are also discussed. Utilizing a 3+1 split approach to Einstein's equations, relativistic hydrodynamics, and magnetohydrodynamics, each chapter includes problems and solutions to enhance understanding. This advanced textbook serves as a valuable reference for both students and researchers in the field of astrophysics.