The unsteady rotation of magnetars (LANDERS_U26EMP)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 31 March 2026. Project is open to Home applicants only.
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Self-funded
- Start date
- 1 June 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- Masters by Research
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Sam Lander(opens in a new window)
Magnetars are extreme objects for two reasons. They are a kind of neutron star, compressed nuclear-density remnants of a supernova explosion and the densest objects in the Universe, but additionally harbour the strongest known magnetic fields in the Universe. Magnetars lose rotational energy relatively quickly, in a way usually attributed to their strong magnetic dipole radiation, but theoretical models of this process cannot fully explain observations. In particular, irregularities in their rotation, known as glitches, are commonplace, and indicate a coupling between the star's crust and its interior superfluid of neutrons. This project will seek to model this irregular rotation through local heating that destroys regions of superfluid temporarily.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Mathematics, Physics.
Funding
This project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
A bench fee is also payable in addition to the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.
UEA Alumni 10% Scholarships(opens in a new window) - A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return for postgraduate study at UEA, Terms and conditions(opens in a new window) apply. For a postgraduate master’s loan, visit our Postgraduate Student Loans(opens in a new window) page for more information.