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This BBC article posts no references so I wonder if anyone has any idea how significant it is?
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53151106
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53151106
Discover the Rare Black Neutron Star
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In summary, the article discusses a recently observed object with a mass between that of the most massive neutron star and the least massive black hole, leaving astronomers unsure of its classification. The lack of knowledge about the maximum possible mass for neutron stars prevents ruling out the possibility of it being a neutron star. A link to the journal article is provided, leading to speculation about being scooped by another study from 17 or 18 years ago.
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PeterDonis
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phinds said:
The headline and initial paragraph of the article are highly misleading. All that's going on here is that an object has been observed with a mass greater than that of the most massive neutron star previously observed, but less than the mass of the least massive black hole previously observed, and astronomers aren't sure yet whether it's a neutron star or a black hole.
If we had a more accurate knowledge of the maximum possible mass for neutron stars (all we know is that it's somewhere between about 1.5 and 3 solar masses; we can't pin it down more accurately because of our poor understanding of the equation of state of matter in this regime), we might be able to rule out the possibility that this object is a neutron star; but we don't, so we can't.
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George Jones
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https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ab960f
gives the journal article, but were they scooped by 17 or 18 years?
https://inspirehep.net/literature/590597
gives the journal article, but were they scooped by 17 or 18 years?
https://inspirehep.net/literature/590597
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Imagine my surprisePeterDonis said:
Thanks Peter
FAQ: Discover the Rare Black Neutron Star
What is a black neutron star?
A black neutron star is a type of compact object that is formed when a massive star collapses under its own gravity. It is essentially a neutron star that has collapsed to the point where its density becomes so high that even light cannot escape from it, making it appear black.
How rare are black neutron stars?
Black neutron stars are extremely rare, with only a few known examples in the universe. This is because the conditions required for their formation are very specific and not all massive stars are able to collapse to the point of becoming a black neutron star.
How are black neutron stars different from regular neutron stars?
Regular neutron stars are already incredibly dense objects, with a teaspoon of their material weighing as much as a mountain. However, black neutron stars are even denser, with their density being so high that they are essentially invisible to the naked eye.
What is the significance of discovering a rare black neutron star?
Discovering a rare black neutron star would provide scientists with valuable information about the formation and evolution of massive stars. It could also help us better understand the properties of matter under extreme conditions, which could have implications for our understanding of the universe.
How do scientists detect and study black neutron stars?
Scientists use a variety of methods to detect and study black neutron stars, such as observing their effects on nearby stars and using advanced telescopes and instruments to detect their radiation. They also study the gravitational waves emitted by these objects, which can provide valuable information about their properties.