Theoretical research will be carried out on the astrophysical implications of new ideas in particle physics. The early universe is thought to have had enormous densities and temperatures. The conditions would provide a natural particle accelerator orders of magnitude more powerful than any conceivable laboratory accelerator. The research will involve looking into the effects of new particles, if they exist, on astrophysical models. Research on the possibility of detecting cosmic strings (trapped remnants of the early universe) existing in our galaxy or in extragalactic environments will be undertaken. The research will be focussed on superconducting cosmic strings, which can carry currents of up to one million billion electron volts. Collaborative research with several experimental groups will center on the possibility of detecting "dark matter" that may comprise 90% of our galaxy. The effects that these particles may have on our Sun and on other stars will be explored. This is a Presidential Young Investigator Award.
