Could a black hole be hiding inside a neutron star?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the possibility of a black hole existing within a neutron star, examining gravitational effects and structural implications. It touches on theoretical considerations related to astrophysics and the nature of black holes and neutron stars.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that since gravity is stronger closer to the center of mass, it might be possible for some neutron stars to contain a black hole.
  • Another participant counters this by stating that the gravitational field does not necessarily increase towards the center, citing that it is zero at the center of the Earth.
  • A third participant explains that the "surface" of a black hole is not a rigid structure, arguing that if a neutron star were to contain a black hole, it would not be able to maintain its structure and would be destroyed, leading to an increase in the black hole's mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of a black hole existing within a neutron star, with no consensus reached on the validity of the initial proposition.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about gravitational behavior and the structural integrity of neutron stars in relation to black holes, which remain unresolved.

James Minwell
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Since gravity is stronger the closer you get to center mass, is it possible some neutron stars have a black hole inside?
 
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James Minwell said:
Since gravity is stronger the closer you get to center mass, is it possible some neutron stars have a black hole inside?
No.

It is also not true that the gravitational field gets stronger the closer you get to the center of mass. The gravitational field at the centre of the Earth is zero.
 
The black "surface" of a black hole is not a rigid surface that supports weight. There would be nothing "holding up" the neutron star around the black hole. The neutron star would be destroyed in a very spectacular fashion and the black hole would get a little more massive.
 
ok, thanks!
 

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