What happens when a laser is shot at a neutron star?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential outcomes of shooting a powerful laserbeam at the surface of a neutron star at an angle. There is speculation about whether the light would be reflected or absorbed, as well as the behavior of photons and neutrons in this scenario. It is also mentioned that the orbital platform would experience a shift in the angle of the reflected beam due to general relativity effects.
  • #1
Maniax
3
0
Hey!

What would happen if you were orbiting a neutron star and shot a powerful laserbeam at the surface, at some angle?
Would it reflect? Would it be absorbed?

Thinking (if you picture the star as a perfect neutron star) that the surface is absolutley smooth, it would reflect light perfectly. But then again - does photons "bounce" of off neutrons? I remember that that is not the case - a photon cannot bounce, it can be absorbed and retransmitted, yes, but not bounced. Or is it the waveform that can bounce?

And if it is absorbed, where will the energy go? Ther isn't much space for the neutrons to wobble around and gravity is kind of in the way for them to get excited...

Anyone?
 
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  • #2
It would travel at the speed of light wrt the orbital platform. Neutron stars emit light, hence obey GR. You would, however, notice an anomalous shift in the angle of the reflected beam due to GR effects.
 

FAQ: What happens when a laser is shot at a neutron star?

1. What is a laser and how does it work?

A laser is a device that produces a concentrated beam of light through the process of stimulated emission. This involves exciting atoms or molecules to a higher energy state, causing them to emit photons of light in a specific direction and phase. This results in a coherent beam of light that can be used for various purposes such as cutting, welding, or communication.

2. What is a neutron star and how is it formed?

A neutron star is a highly dense and compact object that is formed from the core of a massive star after it has gone through a supernova explosion. During this explosion, the outer layers of the star are blown off, leaving behind a dense core made mostly of neutrons. These neutron stars can have masses up to twice that of our sun, but are only about 10-15 km in diameter.

3. How can a laser be used to study neutron stars?

Lasers can be used to study neutron stars in several ways. One method is to use a laser as a tool for precise measurements of the star's rotation and gravitational field. By observing how the laser light is affected by the star's gravitational pull, scientists can gather information about its mass, size, and other properties. Lasers can also be used to study the intense magnetic fields of neutron stars, which can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment.

4. Can a laser be used to manipulate a neutron star?

While lasers can provide valuable information about neutron stars, they are not powerful enough to manipulate these extremely dense objects. The intense gravitational and magnetic fields of neutron stars make them nearly impossible to influence with external forces. However, scientists are constantly developing new technologies and techniques to better understand and potentially manipulate these fascinating objects.

5. What advancements in laser technology have contributed to our understanding of neutron stars?

Advancements in laser technology, such as the development of high-powered lasers and precise measuring instruments, have greatly contributed to our understanding of neutron stars. These advancements have allowed scientists to study neutron stars in greater detail and gather more accurate data, leading to new insights and discoveries about these enigmatic objects. Additionally, the use of lasers in conjunction with other technologies, such as interferometry, has enabled scientists to make even more precise observations and measurements of neutron stars.

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