The violent neutron star
arXiv:1206.5542
Abstract
Neutron stars enable us to study both the highest densities and the highest magnetic fields in the known Universe. In this article I review what can be learned about such fundamental physics using magnetar bursts. Both the instability mechanisms that trigger the bursts, and the subsequent dynamical and radiative response of the star, can be used to explore stellar and magnetospheric structure and composition.
6 pages, invited review, to appear in the proceedings of the ERPM conference, Zielona Gora, April 2012