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Chance and Chandra

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Abstract

A few examples are given of Chandra’s work on statistical and stochastic problems that relate to open questions in astrophysics, in particular his theory of dynamical relaxation in systems with inverse-square interparticle forces. The roles of chaos and integrability in this theory require clarification, especially for systems having a dominant central mass. After this prelude, a hypothetical form of bosonic dark matter with a simple but nontrivial statistical mechanics is discussed. This makes for a number of eminently falsifiable predictions, including some exotic consequences for dynamical friction.

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Correspondence to JEREMY GOODMAN.

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GOODMAN, J., SLEPIAN, Z. Chance and Chandra. Pramana - J Phys 77, 107–118 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12043-011-0116-1

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