===========================================================================
"Fast multi-wavelength variability from jets in X-ray binaries"

Dr. Piergiorgio Casella
School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, UK
===========================================================================

When: Monday, 25th of October of 2010 at 3:00 pm
Where: 2nd Floor Seminar Room

===========================================================================

Abstract:  

The frontiers of high time resolution Astrophysics are rapidly
expanding, moving from the traditional X-ray Astronomy to more and
more wavelengths. The study of X-ray variability in X-ray binaries has
represented - and still is - one of the most powerful tools to study
the accretion flow in the vicinity of compact objects. During the last
decade, the advent of new instrumentation has opened a new exciting
window, allowing the study of multi-wavelength fast variable emission
from X-ray binaries. In particular, newly available optical and
infrared detectors with fast readout modes now allow us to detect
fast-variable emission from relativistic jets. This field is at its
dawn, but it is already showing its large potential. I will quickly
review the state of the art, and describe how this type of data
already allows us to put quantitative constraints to the properties of
the jet and its connection with the accretion flow.
===========================================================================