Has the merger of a neutron star and an anti-neutron star been modeled?

In summary, when neutron stars and anti neutron stars collide, they may partially annihilate with some stars pushed away from each other.
  • #1
Cato
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What would happen if a neutron star and an antineutron star collided
If a neutron star and an anti neutron star collided, would they 1) completely annihilate each other, 2) form a black hole, or 3) partially annihilate each other with the remaining stars being pushed away from each other by the energy created?
 
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  • #2
None of those options are mutually exclusive. Often we think of annihilation as two particles interacting with each other and turning into photons (so-called 'pure energy', which is more like two particles turning into two other particles). The reality is much more complicated though, especially when you get into composite particles and high-mass particles.

Protons and neutrons (and their anti- particles) often generate a shower of pions, which themselves decay into neutrinos, photons, and muons. Beyond the possible interactions and decays of pairs or single particles, the environment in a neutron star-antineutron star annihilation would be so energetic that you'd likely generate all kinds of different particles. I'd expect a portion of the stellar material to be blasted into space along with some of this newly created matter.

So there's not really a difference between a partial and a complete annihilation, as both can leave large amounts of matter behind.

As for option 2, this can happen regardless of the annihilation process. At least some portion of the annihilation and explosion could occur inside of the event horizon formed by the merger of the two stars.
 
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  • #3
I'd add that I don't know that I'd expect a unique answer. A direct head-on collision is likely quite a different thing from a grazing impact.

I'd also add that I doubt that anyone's modelled this because as far as I know the equations of state in the interior of neutron stars are not known with any real certainty, and they'd matter a lot here.
 
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Probably nobody has spent any effort doing this because it is highly unlikely that an anti-neutron star exists in our universe.
 
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Correct...I was thinking of "complete annihilation" as leaving behind only photons -- that was mistaken. Yes, Ibix, I could imagine a grazing impact -- at what? more than half the speed of light? -- producing something very different from a head on collision. Would be something to see. Thanks for the answers.
 

FAQ: Has the merger of a neutron star and an anti-neutron star been modeled?

Has the merger of a neutron star and an anti-neutron star been modeled?

As of now, there have been theoretical studies and discussions about the potential outcomes of such a merger, but detailed and comprehensive models are still in the early stages. The complexity of the interactions involved makes it a challenging scenario to simulate accurately.

What are the expected outcomes of a neutron star and anti-neutron star merger?

The primary expected outcome is a massive release of energy due to matter-antimatter annihilation. This could result in the production of high-energy gamma rays, neutrinos, and possibly even the formation of a black hole if the energy is sufficient to overcome the neutron degeneracy pressure.

What challenges are faced in modeling neutron star and anti-neutron star mergers?

There are several challenges, including the need for highly accurate simulations of relativistic effects, strong gravitational fields, and the detailed physics of matter-antimatter interactions. Additionally, the computational resources required for such simulations are substantial, and our current understanding of certain physical processes may still be incomplete.

How does the merger of a neutron star and an anti-neutron star differ from a neutron star-neutron star merger?

In a neutron star-neutron star merger, the primary interactions are governed by gravity and nuclear forces, leading to the formation of a hypermassive neutron star or a black hole, accompanied by gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation. In contrast, a neutron star and anti-neutron star merger would involve significant matter-antimatter annihilation, resulting in a much more energetic and potentially more violent event.

What scientific advancements are needed to better understand neutron star and anti-neutron star mergers?

Advancements in high-performance computing, improved theoretical models of matter-antimatter interactions, and more precise observations of astrophysical phenomena are needed. Additionally, advancements in particle physics and a deeper understanding of the fundamental forces at play in such extreme environments would significantly contribute to our ability to model and understand these mergers.

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