One of the most pervasive phenomena in astrophysics is rotational motion. We observe it in planetary motions, satellites and rings in orbit around planets, rotating stars (incl. the sun), the motions of binary stars, accretion disks around white dwarfs and neutron stars, and rotation of galaxies. The Principal Investigator (PI) proposes to study a diverse range of rotating fluid topics in astrophysics: 1. Tidal evolution of late-type binaries; 2. dynamics of Neptune's satellites and rings; 3. excitation and damping of the sun's normal modes; 4. neutron star physics (origin and evolution of their magnetic fields and the physics of gamma-ray bursts); and 5. topics in extragalactic astronomy. The PI submitted this proposal under the Accomplishment Based Renewal category and requested support for 5 years. During the tenure of this proposal, the PI intends to conclude his involvement with these research topics on rotating fluids and to turn his attention to new areas of study.
