Neutron star

Definition

A neutron star is a highly dense remnant of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion. It consists almost entirely of neutrons and has an incredibly strong gravitational field.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neutron stars are typically around 20 kilometers in diameter but have masses greater than that of the Sun.
2. They are formed when the core of a massive star collapses under gravity during a supernova explosion.
3. Neutron stars have extremely strong magnetic fields, which can be trillions of times stronger than Earth's magnetic field.
4. Some neutron stars emit beams of electromagnetic radiation and are observed as pulsars if these beams sweep past Earth.
5. The discovery of neutron stars provided critical evidence for the theory of stellar evolution and the life cycle of massive stars.

Review Questions

• What event leads to the formation of a neutron star?
• How does the size of a neutron star compare to its mass?
• What phenomenon makes some neutron stars observable as pulsars?

Related terms

Pulsar:

A type of neutron star that emits periodic bursts of radiation due to its rotation.

Supernova:

A powerful explosion resulting from the death of a massive star, often leading to the creation of a neutron star or black hole.

Binary Star System: A system where two stars orbit around their common center of mass, which can include pairs like neutron stars and regular stars.