Advait Chordia

How do Neutron Stars differ from those on the main sequence and what are a few characteristics that are special to them?

Started May 2, 2022

Abstract or project description

Neutron Stars are the densest visible celestial bodies in the observable universe, compressing between 1 to 3 Solar Masses into a sphere of a radius of about 20 kilometres. They form by the gravitational collapse of a dying star with a mass greater than 8 solar masses, triggering a type II supernova explosion. They consist mostly of neutrons, but they also contain small amounts of protons and electrons (equal amounts) that are very densely packed together resulting in extremely high density. They have some of the most exciting properties that separate them from stars in the main sequence. Many of the properties caused by this phenomenon, such as superfluidity, deconfined quark matter and opaqueness to neutrinos, have not been observed anywhere else. This makes them an interesting celestial body to study. This paper is a written overview of major writings and other sources that have relevant information on how neutron stars differ from a star on the main sequence and characteristics that are special to them. Through the paper, the physics of a neutron star, the reason for its existence, as well as the different types of it will be understood.