How are neuton stars intensly magnetic?

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    Magnetic Stars
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the magnetic properties of neutron stars, exploring the relationship between neutrons, quarks, and magnetism. Participants examine the composition of neutron stars and the mechanisms that may contribute to their intense magnetic fields, including the roles of charged particles and superconductivity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about how neutron stars can be magnetic if neutrons are neutral, questioning the role of charged particles in magnetism.
  • Others clarify that neutrons are composed of charged quarks and that neutron stars contain other charged particles, such as electrons and protons, which contribute to their magnetic properties.
  • There is a discussion about the term "quasi-neutral," with some participants challenging its use and suggesting that neutron star cores are not entirely neutral due to the presence of charge carriers.
  • One participant mentions that neutron star crusts are made of iron and other materials, which may also play a role in their magnetic characteristics.
  • Another point raised is that neutron star cores are believed to be superconducting, which could enhance their ability to support a magnetic field.
  • Participants note that insulators, including materials found in neutron stars, can react to magnetic fields, albeit weakly in some cases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the fundamental aspects of neutron star magnetism, with multiple competing views and ongoing debate about the roles of neutrons, quarks, and other charged particles.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the definitions of terms like "quasi-neutral" and the specific composition of neutron stars, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Superposed_Cat
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Neutrons are neutral (obviously). I thought only charged particles could be magnetic. So how are neutron stars magnetic? Thanks for any help.
 
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Why would you think such a thing? Are your refrigerator magnets charged?
 
I mean they have charged particles. neutronium is not just quasi-neutral. Its completely neutral. Or is magnetism solely dependent on spin?
 
Neutrons are made out of quarks (and gluons), and quarks are charged.
In addition, neutron stars are not 100% neutrons.
 
But let's go back to the fundamental misunderstanding. Where do you get this idea of "quasi-neutral" from? Did you read it in a textbook?
 
Superposed_Cat said:
Neutrons are neutral (obviously). I thought only charged particles could be magnetic. So how are neutron stars magnetic? Thanks for any help.

Neutron star crusts are of iron and stuff like that. The cores are a few percent electrons/protons, so neutron star cores are very dense with charge carriers. One or the other of these phases might have the highest density of charge carriers in the universe.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
But let's go back to the fundamental misunderstanding. Where do you get this idea of "quasi-neutral" from? Did you read it in a textbook?
Sorry I know quasi neutral means something else.
 
Neutron star composition

http:// upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Neutron_star_cross_section.svg/640px-Neutron_star_cross_section.svg.png

Image from:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star
 
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Neutron star cores are superconducting, by the way. The crusts are extremely conductive as well, so neutron stars are extremely good for supporting a magnetic field.
 
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  • #10
mfb said:
Neutrons are made out of quarks (and gluons), and quarks are charged.

Yes, but that's true of all insulators except empty space.
 
  • #11
Hornbein said:
Yes, but that's true of all insulators except empty space.
And all insulators react to magnetic fields. Usually via diamagnetism. The interaction is often weak as the density is low (compared to neutron star material).
 

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