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Is there a well-established theory for temperature and cooling processes of neutron stars as a function of time?
Neutron star temperature and cooling
- Thread starter tom.stoer
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In summary: The neutron star in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant has exhibited a rapid cooling process, which is likely due to the presence of a neutron superfluid. This type of fluid has been proposed as a possible explanation for the extreme temperatures found in the cores of neutron stars.
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SHISHKABOB
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http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0409751
you mean like this? Or is that just observational.
and this one: http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0306143
in the second one it does have some graphs that look like cooling curves over time for neutron stars
you mean like this? Or is that just observational.
and this one: http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0306143
in the second one it does have some graphs that look like cooling curves over time for neutron stars
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great, thanks!
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sikrut
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Well, in general relativity, einstein theorized the existence of gravitational waves. Many astrophysicists have attributed the decreases of a neutron stars angular momentum to this "gravitational radiation".
Observational evidence consists of timing the intervals of each pulse from a pulsar, which tells us its rotational period. After monitoring it for a while (weeks? months? years?), the observing will record a consistent decay in it rotational energy. These observations are consistent with einstein's theory of general relativity, and almost confirm the existence of gravitational waves.
Observational evidence consists of timing the intervals of each pulse from a pulsar, which tells us its rotational period. After monitoring it for a while (weeks? months? years?), the observing will record a consistent decay in it rotational energy. These observations are consistent with einstein's theory of general relativity, and almost confirm the existence of gravitational waves.
- #5
Drakkith
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sikrut said:
I think you misunderstand the topic of the thread.
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sikrut
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Oh. Were we supposed to just supply an article like tom did?
and my spelling was atrocious in that post...
and my spelling was atrocious in that post...
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SHISHKABOB
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sikrut said:
well, not exactly. It was that the OP asked for theories on neutron star temperature and cooling
not gravitational radiation or the rotational rates of neutron stars
- #8
Drakkith
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sikrut said:
As Shishkabob said, the topic was about the temperature and cooling of a neutron star, which has significant amounts of heat when it is formed. Gravitational waves are another topic altogether. No worries!
- #9
ImaLooser
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tom.stoer said:
Here's the latest.
Rapid Cooling of the Neutron Star in Cassiopeia A Triggered by Neutron Superfluid-
ity in Dense Matter,
D. Page, M. Prakash, J. M. Lattimer, and A. W. Steiner,
Phys. Rev. Lett 106 (2011) 08110
Cooling neutron star in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant:
Evidence for superfluidity in the core
Peter S. Shternin, Dmitry G. Yakovlev, Craig O. Heinke,
Wynn C. G. Ho, Daniel J. Patnaude
Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 000, 1–6 (2010) 16 March 2011
FAQ: Neutron star temperature and cooling
1. What is a neutron star and why is it important to study its temperature and cooling?
A neutron star is a type of celestial object that is formed when a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity. It is composed almost entirely of neutrons and is incredibly dense and hot. Studying its temperature and cooling is important because it can give us insights into the fundamental properties of matter and the evolution of stars.
2. How hot are neutron stars and how does their temperature change over time?
Neutron stars can have temperatures ranging from 600,000 to over 1 billion degrees Celsius. However, as they age and lose thermal energy, their temperatures gradually decrease. The rate of cooling also depends on factors such as the star's mass and composition.
3. How do scientists measure the temperature of neutron stars?
The temperature of a neutron star is typically measured by observing its thermal radiation, which is emitted in the form of X-rays. By analyzing the spectrum of X-rays emitted by a neutron star, scientists can determine its temperature and other properties, such as its composition and magnetic field strength.
4. Are there any factors that can affect the temperature and cooling rate of neutron stars?
Yes, there are several factors that can affect the temperature and cooling rate of neutron stars. These include the star's mass, composition, and magnetic field strength, as well as external factors such as its environment and interactions with other objects in its vicinity.
5. Can neutron stars ever cool down completely?
Theoretically, neutron stars can continue to cool down indefinitely. However, it is unlikely that they will ever completely cool down, as some energy sources, such as radioactive decay, may continue to generate heat. Additionally, neutron stars can also undergo processes such as accretion, where they absorb material from a companion star, which can also contribute to their thermal energy.