https://youtu.be/LH58Py4_jBA Host: Fraser Cain ( @fcain )Special Guest: This week we are airing Fraser's interview with Dr. Cole Miller, Professor of Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Miller led one of two separate teams that analyzed Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) data - specifically that for pulsar called J0030+0451 (J0030) in the constellation Pices - and were able to map the surface features of a pulsar for the first time.   Dr. Miller's research focuses on the theory and modeling of high-energy radiation from neutron stars and black holes. Data interpreted using his theoretical models have provided the first evidence for the existence of an innermost stable circular orbit around neutron stars and black holes (a key prediction of strong-gravity general relativity) and evidence for a 2.3 solar mass neutron star, which constrains strongly the equation of state of matter at high densities.   Cole's research interests extend beyond compact objects to subjects such as the use of gravitational lensing to study different classes of cosmological sources. He has used lensing to place limits on the average redshift of gamma-ray bursts and to constrain dark energy parameters based on observations in the Hubble Deep Field. He has also investigated the effects of accretion by primordial compact objects on the power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background. In particular, he has placed limits on the contributions of such objects to dark matter and on the degree to which ionization from accretion can be used to explain the weakness of the second acoustic peak as observed with BOOMERanG. Most recently, he has collaborated with Doug Hamilton on models of intermediate-mass black holes and their implications for gravitational radiation. Regular Guests: Dr. Morgan Rehnberg ( http://www.morganrehnberg.com/ & @MorganRehnberg ) Alex Teachey ( https://alexteachey.wordpress.com/ & @alexteachey ) This week's stories: - The search for exomoons. - The launch of Solar Orbiter. - The new White House NASA budget. - Boeing StarLiner problems - SpaceX nabs a new executive from NASA. - CHEOPS first light.   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://astrogear.spreadshirt.com/ for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by Astrosphere New Media. http://www.astrosphere.org/ Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.