Neutron Star

By Ningthoujam Dipak Singh

 A neutron star is a compact celestial object formed from the collapsed core of a massive star during a supernova. With a diameter of around 20 kilometres and a mass 1.4 times that of the Sun. Neutron stars are known for their strong gravitational fields and intense magnetic fields. They are remnants of massive stars and represent one of the possible endpoints of stellar evolution.

Central neutron star at the heart of the Crab Nebula

How is a neutron star formed? 

As a supermassive star approaches the end of its lifecycle, it transitions into a red supergiant. After this phase, these stars experience explosive transformations, leading to the emergence of white dwarfs or supernovae. If the core mass remaining after a supernova is less than about three solar masses, a neutron star forms; surpassing this threshold results in black hole formation. A mere teaspoon of neutron star matter boasts a mass of approximately a trillion kilograms. Within one thousand to one million years of formation, a neutron star typically achieves a surface temperature of one million kelvin.

An illustration of two neutron stars colliding and merging. (Image credit: Robin Dienel/The Carnegie Institution for Science)

Behaviour 

 In neutron stars, interesting phenomena occur, as seen in pulsars and magnetars. Pulsars are formed from supernova remnants and emit regular radiation due to strong magnetic fields. Jets along magnetic poles produce observable light pulses, offering insights into extreme astrophysical conditions.  Meanwhile, Magnetars, a distinct neutron star category, have magnetic fields 1000 times more powerful than typical neutron stars, emitting intense X-rays and gamma-rays. Surpassing Earth's magnetic strength by trillions, magnetars give astronomers a unique view into extreme cosmic phenomena, deepening our understanding of the powerful forces shaping the universe.

Reference

https://www.space.com/22180-neutron-stars.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star