- #1
Blue Shift 2112
what is the goldilocks range from a neutron star?
Safe distance from a neutron star
- Thread starter Blue Shift 2112
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In summary, the goldilocks range from a neutron star is defined as the distance at which liquid water can exist on a planet similar to Earth. This zone is calculated using the irradiance from the neutron star, which for the closest known neutron star is 0.039 astronomical units. However, the high energy radiation and particle emissions from a neutron star make it a hostile environment for life to exist. Only a super Earth may be able to retain an atmosphere and potentially sustain biologic processes, but the typical neutron star progenitor, a supernova, would make it difficult for life to form. It would take a significant amount of time for a newly formed neutron star to settle down enough for biogenesis to occur on any surviving planets.
- #2
berkeman
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Welcome to the PF. 
Google is your friend. I Googled your thread title and got lots of hits:
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+goldilocks+range+from+a+neutron+star?+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Google is your friend. I Googled your thread title and got lots of hits:
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+goldilocks+range+from+a+neutron+star?+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
- #3
rootone
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I don't think life would be easy if the local source of energy is X-rays.
- #4
stefan r
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The title question is not the same as the question you posted.Blue Shift 2112 said:
The goldilocks zone or "circumstellar habitable zone" is defined by the irradiance that allows liquid surface water on a planet similar to earth. Irradiance is proportional to distance squared.
The closest neutron star PSR_J0108-1431 has a spin down energy release of 5.8 x 1023 W. Which corresponds to 1.5 x 10-3 solar luminosity. You can stick that number into the equation and calculate the CHZ: √(1.5x 10-3) = 0.039 astronomical units is the same range as earth. The CHZ is not an exact distance.
A "safe distance" is quite a different matter. Much of the irradiance comes in the form of x-rays and high energy particles. The surface temperature may be between 0 and 100C but the atmosphere would be ripped away if the planet is similar to earth.
Higher mass planets might hold on to an atmosphere for awhile longer. The bottom of a deep sea trench would not receive high energy radiation. There is discussion about the possibility of life on Europa or Titan.
- #5
Chronos
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Neutron stars tend to be rather hostile to life. Not just because of their excessive high energy radiation and particle emissions, but, also due to their lineage. It is fairly well established they would wreak havoc upon planetary atmospheres. Only a super Earth would be able to retain enough of an atmosphere to sustain biologic processes. Also consider that the typical neutron star progenitor is a supernova - an event that does not bode well for complex molecules, much less any preexisting life forms. Significant time would be needed for a newborn neutron star to settle down sufficient to permit biogenesis to reboot on any surviving planets..
FAQ: Safe distance from a neutron star
1. How close can you safely get to a neutron star?
The safe distance from a neutron star depends on various factors such as the size of the neutron star, its rotation, and the strength of its magnetic field. Generally, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 1,000 kilometers from the surface of a neutron star to avoid the intense radiation and gravitational pull.
2. Can spacecrafts survive near a neutron star?
It is possible for spacecrafts to survive near a neutron star, but they would need to be equipped with specialized shielding to protect them from the intense radiation and magnetic fields. Without proper shielding, the spacecraft and its occupants would not survive for long.
3. What happens if you get too close to a neutron star?
If you get too close to a neutron star, you would be exposed to extremely high levels of radiation which can be lethal. The intense gravitational pull of the neutron star could also tear apart anything that gets too close, including spacecrafts.
4. Is there a safe distance to observe a neutron star?
Yes, there is a safe distance to observe a neutron star. It is recommended to observe from a distance of at least 10,000 kilometers to avoid the harmful effects of its radiation and magnetic fields. However, the farther the distance, the clearer and safer the observation will be.
5. How does the safe distance from a neutron star vary for different types of stars?
The safe distance from a neutron star can vary for different types of stars. For example, a smaller neutron star known as a pulsar may have a smaller safe distance compared to a larger neutron star. The strength of the magnetic field can also affect the safe distance. It is best to consult with experts and follow safety guidelines when approaching any type of neutron star.