Description: A neutron star is a very dense and compact stellar remnant that is left following the collapse of a massive star's core. Stars with masses of about eight solar masses or more end their stellar evolution with their cores collapsing, triggering a supernova explosion. The collapsed core has a density larger than that of most atomic nuclei and is comprised primarily of neutrons. This latter point is due to protons and electrons combining to form neutrons in the extremely hot and dense collapsed core of the massive star. The lower mass limit of a neutron star is 1.4 solar masses, and the upper limit is about 3 solar masses – above this the object would collapse to a black hole. Highly magnetic neutron stars are known as magnetars. The vast majority of known neutron stars are observed as radio pulsars.

Related Terms:

• Black Hole
• Neutron
• Nucleus
• Pulsar
• Solar Mass
• Supernova
• White Dwarf
• Supernova Remnant

Term and definition status: This term and its definition have been approved by a research astronomer and a teacher

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