The Solar dynamo problem. We do not have a complete understanding of what drives the solar dynamo, that is, how the Sun is able to maintain its large scale magnetic field that produces all these surface phenomenon you have been seeing recently (flares and such) as well as the solar cycle. By extension, dynamo theory of stars in general.
The convective conundrum. This is the efficiency of convection to transport heat through stellar interiors. This has a large impact on stellar modelling. Some stars we observe are inflated which is likely to be related to how efficient convection is at transporting heat through the stars interior. We also have observations of the Sun and other stars that do not agree with predictions from theory around convection. So the fundamental problem is, we need to get a better understanding of turbulent convection under the influence of rotation and magnetic fields.
The efficiency of tidal dissipation. We observe many hot Jupiter planets many of which should be undergoing orbital decay due to tidal dissipation within the host star. In fact, we have one confirmed observation of the hot Jupiter WASP-12b which is spiralling in towards its host star and will be destroyed in 3-10 million years time. However, our understanding of tidal dissipation mechanisms and their efficiency to dissipate tidal energy is poor. If tidal dissipation is efficient then most hot Jupiters that have formed have been destroyed, while if it is inefficient the population we see will be almost all of them. As such, we can not say much about the occurrence rates of this type of planet. Are the ones we see all of them or only a tiny fraction of those that form? This would put important constraints on the formation pathways for planets.
What is the nature of the relativistic jet in GRBs – is in baryonic or magnetically dominated – and what mechanisms are actually powering and producing emission?
What causes the pulses and flares we observe?
Why is the prompt emission and afterglow so diverse both temporally and spectrally?
What is a species? Sadly, the biological sciences do not have one, unified definition of a species. The animal folks (excluding the entomologists) mostly say it’s reproductive isolation, while many plant people will call any population that’s somewhat morphological different a new species.
How can we predict the emergent properties of a gut microbiota?
Most of all, what are the most important factors underlying interindividial variability in the gut microbiotas, and how can we control for them? Is there a way to classify gut microbiotas into groups that behave similarly across multiple relevant contexts?
What is dark matter? (or, how are we wrong about gravity)
2)What is driving the accelerating expansion of the universe?
Who was the astronomer that rode the observing technician so hard that they snapped and went out and shot the telescope primary mirror 7 times? So far I’ve only gotten the answer “it wasn’t de Vaucouleurs”.
Comments
Number 1 is “what the hell is going to happen to my funding in this mess”
The Solar dynamo problem. We do not have a complete understanding of what drives the solar dynamo, that is, how the Sun is able to maintain its large scale magnetic field that produces all these surface phenomenon you have been seeing recently (flares and such) as well as the solar cycle. By extension, dynamo theory of stars in general.
The convective conundrum. This is the efficiency of convection to transport heat through stellar interiors. This has a large impact on stellar modelling. Some stars we observe are inflated which is likely to be related to how efficient convection is at transporting heat through the stars interior. We also have observations of the Sun and other stars that do not agree with predictions from theory around convection. So the fundamental problem is, we need to get a better understanding of turbulent convection under the influence of rotation and magnetic fields.
The efficiency of tidal dissipation. We observe many hot Jupiter planets many of which should be undergoing orbital decay due to tidal dissipation within the host star. In fact, we have one confirmed observation of the hot Jupiter WASP-12b which is spiralling in towards its host star and will be destroyed in 3-10 million years time. However, our understanding of tidal dissipation mechanisms and their efficiency to dissipate tidal energy is poor. If tidal dissipation is efficient then most hot Jupiters that have formed have been destroyed, while if it is inefficient the population we see will be almost all of them. As such, we can not say much about the occurrence rates of this type of planet. Are the ones we see all of them or only a tiny fraction of those that form? This would put important constraints on the formation pathways for planets.
How do quantum mechanics and gravity work together?
Why is there more matter than antimatter?
This thing worked before, why did it stop working?
What is the nature of the relativistic jet in GRBs – is in baryonic or magnetically dominated – and what mechanisms are actually powering and producing emission?
What causes the pulses and flares we observe?
Why is the prompt emission and afterglow so diverse both temporally and spectrally?
What is a species? Sadly, the biological sciences do not have one, unified definition of a species. The animal folks (excluding the entomologists) mostly say it’s reproductive isolation, while many plant people will call any population that’s somewhat morphological different a new species.
Are some gut microbiotas “healthier” than others?
How can we predict the emergent properties of a gut microbiota?
Most of all, what are the most important factors underlying interindividial variability in the gut microbiotas, and how can we control for them? Is there a way to classify gut microbiotas into groups that behave similarly across multiple relevant contexts?
2)What is driving the accelerating expansion of the universe?
Why are users so stupid?
What is it when it’s not DNS?
Which one’s the any key?
That changes all the time, it’s like asking the best ab routine from this month’s men’s magazines!