Stargazing А neutron star and a photon sphere

AI Thread Summary
Photon spheres can theoretically exist around neutron stars if their radius is less than 1.5 times the Schwarzschild radius, despite the Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit suggesting otherwise. The discussion highlights the contradiction between the mass-radius relationship of neutron stars and the conditions required for photon spheres. Some equations of state may permit neutron stars to be ultracompact, allowing for the existence of a photon sphere. The existence of such neutron stars remains a topic of debate among astrophysicists. Overall, the potential for photon spheres around neutron stars raises questions about their physical properties and limits.
daggab
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Wikipedia(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photon_sphere):
'This equation entails that photon spheres can only exist in the space surrounding an extremely compact object (a black hole or possibly a neutron star)'
But how can a neutron star?
I have a doubt because
1. When а mass of а star increases, radius decreases.
2. The radius of the most massive NS exceeds the schwarzschild radius.
3. We know Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit roughly. It is not known exactly.
I suppose that the existence of such neutron stars is questionable.
Is it correct?
 
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daggab said:
We know Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit roughly.
Hi daggab:

The Wikipedia article text indicates that at a neutron start of radius r,
rs < r < (3/2) rs,​
could have a photon sphere. Are you saying that the Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit is inconsistent with this?

Regards,
Buzz
 
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If you follow the link to reference [1] in that Wikipedia article, it links to a paper "Properties of ultracompact neutron stars" which mentions that certain equations of state would allow a neutron star to be less than 1.5 times the Schwarzschild radius and hence have a photon sphere.
 
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