The Fates of Stars Orbiting Too Close to Massive Black Holes

Explore the complex dynamics of stellar fate near massive black holes in this astrophysics seminar presented by Princeton University's Eliot Quataert at the Institute for Advanced Study. Delve into the intricate processes of stellar inspiral caused by gravitational wave radiation, examining how tidal heating, mass transfer, and accretion disk collisions influence a star's ultimate destiny. Learn about recently discovered recurring transients in galactic nuclei, including partial tidal disruption events and quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs). Understand the connections between inspiraling stars and various stellar dynamical processes, from the orbiting stars in the Galactic Center to extreme mass ratio inspirals observable by LISA, hyper-velocity stars, and tidal disruption events. Gain insights into the fascinating interplay between stars and supermassive black holes that shapes our understanding of galactic evolution.