A research program in theoretical astrophysics and gravitational physics will be initiated. This research will be pursued using both analytic and numerical methods. In some cases, observations will be made to compare theoretical predictions with the behavior of real astronomical systems of interest. The topics to be investigated include: a) generation of gravitational radiation in stellar collapsed and collision b) tidal disruption of stars by massive black holes c) magnetized stellar winds d) the eclipsing millisecond pulsar (PSR 1957 + 20).
