CCA Colloquium: Kevin Burdge

Title: From 7 minutes to 70000 years: the Renaissance of compact objects in binary (and triple) systems

Abstract: Modern synoptic time domain surveys are revolutionizing our understanding of compact objects in binary systems, and transforming the field of gravitational wave multi-messenger astrophysics. In this talk, I will highlight some recent advances in our understanding of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes in binary (and triple) systems. These results encompass phenomena which span orbital periods of 7 minutes to >70000 years, and have major implications in our understanding of compact object physics, as well as binary stellar evolution. I will conclude with a discussion of upcoming facilities including the Vera Rubin Observatory and LISA, and technological advances such as CMOS based imagers that will propel this field into its golden era.

November 21, 2025