New Observational Constraints on Astrophysical Shocks from the First Sample of NuSTAR SNe

Explore groundbreaking observational constraints on astrophysical shocks derived from the first sample of NuSTAR supernovae in this 40-minute conference talk by Raffaella Margutti from UC Berkeley. Discover how recent observational discoveries, including the first images of accreting black holes at the event-horizon scale and enigmatic Fast Radio Bursts, challenge our understanding of plasma processes operating under extreme conditions around black holes and neutron stars. Learn about the complex interplay between relativistic, radiative, and QED physical effects that become crucial in these extreme environments, and understand how classic nonlinear plasma processes like magnetic reconnection and shocks behave under such conditions. Gain insights into the interdisciplinary approach required to explain these spectacular phenomena, involving collaboration between observational and theoretical high-energy astrophysicists, plasma theorists, computational physicists, and experimental researchers. Examine the latest progress in understanding extreme plasmas and explore promising strategic directions for future research, including prospects for novel laboratory studies that could provide key physics insights into the behavior of matter under the most extreme conditions in the universe.