Cold and Dense Matter in a Magnetic Field

Abstract

Our Universe is full of regions where extreme physical conditions are realized. Among the most intriguing cases are the so-called magnetars: neutron stars with very dense cores and super-strong magnetic fields. In this paper I review the current understanding of the physical properties of quark matter at ultra-high density in the presence of very large magnetic fields. I will discuss the main results on this topic, the main challenges that still remain, and how they could be related to the physics of magnetars.