Why do Neutron Stars have a Magnetic Field?

[axel65]

We were having a little chat in my physics lesson about neutron stars for our A level course, and nobody really understood why neutron stars have a magnetic field if they are consist of neutrons, which are obviously neutral charge. We thought that you needed charged particles to create a magnetic field?

Alex Gawthrope

 

[SpaceTiger]

A neutron star is actually not composed entirely of neutrons. On the surface, in particular, charged particles are abundant, producing a great deal of radiation in the case of pulsars. The strong magnetic fields and rapid rotation of young neutron stars both arise from the contraction of the initial stellar core. A small rotation rate for the core will, by conservation of angular momentum, result in a rapidly rotating neutron star. Similarly, a small magnetic field in the stellar core will be greatly amplified by conservation of magnetic flux during the contraction.

 

[Labguy]

This is not exactly an answer to the question, but is certainly interesting and related:

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=4248

 

[axel65]

Thank you, I'll let the class know on Monday.