How are neutron star cores described today, do we use models of superfluidity/superconductivity for instance?
Asked
Active
Viewed 127 times
1 Answers
2
The "core" of a neutron star is of debatable composition and is dependent on the highly uncertain equation of state of matter compressed to $10^{18}$ kg/m$^3$.
It is possible that the core consists almost entirely of a solid neutron lattice with some protons that possibly form a superfluid.
Other possibilities include new mesonic (pions or kaons) or hadronic (hyperons) phases of matter, that would soften the equation of state. At even higher densities it is possible that quark matter becomes feasible.
The extent of superfluidity in the core is unknown. There could be both superfluid protons and neutrons.
Observational evidence, based on the recent discovery of 2 solar mass neutron stars and the relatively slow cooling of some neutron stars suggests mesons are unlikely. Other analysis of pulsar glitches and the very rapid cooling of the Cas A neutron star suggest superfluid neutrons do at least exist in the "inner crust" of neutron stars.
ProfRob
- 141,325