From the Skyrme model to hypothetical Skyrmion stars: Astrophysical implications

We discuss the Skyrme model for strong interactions and the concept of a Skyrmion fluid. The corresponding compact objects, namely Skyrmion stars, constructed from the equation of state describing such a fluid are presented and compared to models of neutron stars based on modern equation of states. We suggest plausible Skyrmion star candidates in the 4U 1636-53 and 4U 1820-30 low mass X-ray binary systems where the suggested masses of the accreting compact companion (\sim 2.0M_{\odot}) remain a challenge for neutron star models.