neutron star
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A collapsed stellar remnant: A neutron star is an extremely dense celestial object that forms from the gravitational collapse of a massive star's core after a supernova explosion. It is composed almost entirely of neutrons.
Usage
- Scientific Context: Used in astronomy and astrophysics to describe a specific type of compact star.
- The pulsar at the center of the Crab Nebula is a rotating neutron star.
- Scientists study neutron stars to understand the behavior of matter under extreme density.
Advanced Usage
- "Neutron star merger": Refers to the collision of two neutron stars, a cataclysmic event that can produce gravitational waves and heavy elements.
- The observation of a neutron star merger confirmed theories about the origin of gold.
Variants and Related Words
- Pulsar (n): A highly magnetized, rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation.
- A pulsar is a type of neutron star that appears to pulse from Earth's perspective.
Synonyms
- Compact star: A general term for stellar remnants like white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.
- Stellar remnant: The leftover core of a star after it has exhausted its nuclear fuel.
Related Phrases
- "Neutron star equation of state": A theoretical model describing the relationship between the pressure and density inside a neutron star.
- Determining the neutron star equation of state is a major goal in nuclear astrophysics.
Noun
- a star that has collapsed under its own gravity; it is composed of neutrons