Which is the densest star and how much does it bend light rays?

In summary, the conversation is about determining the amount of light ray bending over the surface of the densest known star, with a specific focus on normal stars and excluding black holes. The question of whether Sirius is the densest normal star is also brought up. There is a discussion about the density and mass of neutron stars and how it relates to determining the maximum amount of deflection. The possibility of using an onion-like distribution of mass to calculate the deflection is also mentioned.
  • #1
Ulysees
516
0
Can someone tell me how much does a light ray bend when it passes over the surface of the densest star known?

Is it like 1 degree, or more like 30 degrees?

Please leave out black holes, this question is about normal stars, the densest one that is known.

Is Sirius the densest normal star known?
 
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  • #2
Ulysees said:
Can someone tell me how much does a light ray bend when it passes over the surface of the densest star known?

Is it like 1 degree, or more like 30 degrees?

Please leave out black holes, this question is about normal stars.

Is Sirius the densest normal star known?
I believe the densest type of star would be a neutron star. Not sure about what the limits of the mass of such a star would be and that is qhat is needed to determine the maximum amount of deflection.

Pete
 
  • #3
It can be shown that an onion-like distribution of mass is equivalent to a point mass (ie the field it produces outside is identical to that of a point mass, shell theorem). Therefore, if I give you the radius of a star, and its mass, can you work out the deflection?

If yes, would that be a numerical calculation or it can be done analytically too, in approximation?
 

1. What is the densest star in the universe?

The densest star in the universe is a type of neutron star called a "quark star." These stars are thought to be even denser than neutron stars, with densities up to 10 times greater than the density of nuclear matter.

2. How is the density of a star measured?

The density of a star is measured by dividing its mass by its volume. This can be done by observing the star's gravitational effects on other objects, or by studying its internal structure using models and theoretical calculations.

3. Can a star's density affect how much it bends light rays?

Yes, a star's density can have a significant effect on how much it bends light rays. The more massive and compact a star is, the stronger its gravitational pull will be, causing a greater bending of light rays passing near it.

4. What is the bending of light rays around a star called?

The bending of light rays around a star is called gravitational lensing. This phenomenon was first predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity and has been observed and studied extensively by scientists.

5. How much do light rays bend around the densest star?

The exact amount of bending of light rays around the densest star can vary depending on its mass and distance from the light source. However, studies have shown that the bending can be significant, with light rays being deflected by several degrees or more in some cases.

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