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
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.
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 - A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return for postgraduate study at UEA, Terms and conditions apply. For a postgraduate master’s loan, visit our Postgraduate Student Loans page for more information.