How can neutron stars have magnetospheres?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of magnetospheres in neutron stars, which are defined as neutral. Participants explore the relationship between charge neutrality and magnetic fields, as well as the mechanisms that may allow neutron stars to possess strong magnetic fields despite their neutral charge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how neutron stars, being neutral, can have polar magnetospheres.
  • Others argue that, similar to iron magnets, neutron stars can have magnetic fields despite being charge neutral, as they contain charged particles.
  • A participant mentions that the magnetic field in a neutron star is believed to be "frozen in" from the magnetic field present before the star's collapse.
  • It is noted that neutrons, while electrically neutral, still possess magnetic moments.
  • Some participants express interest in further explanations and resources regarding the magnetic properties of neutron stars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the mechanisms behind neutron stars' magnetospheres, and multiple competing views remain regarding the relationship between charge neutrality and magnetic fields.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to external resources for further exploration of the topic, indicating a reliance on existing literature for explanations of neutron star magnetism.

Cindy Hops
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Neutron stars are neutral by definition. How can they have magnetospheres which are polar by definition?
 
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An iron magnet is charge neutral, and yet it has a magnetic field. While neutron stars are mainly neutrons, they contain charged particles as well. See this Wikipedia link for an overview of the best guess of a neutron star structure. It is believed that the magnetic field in a neutron star is "frozen in" from the magnetic field that was present in the star before it collapsed.
 
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phyzguy said:
An iron magnet is charge neutral, and yet it has a magnetic field. While neutron stars are mainly neutrons, they contain charged particles as well. See this Wikipedia link for an overview of the best guess of a neutron star structure. It is believed that the magnetic field in a neutron star is "frozen in" from the magnetic field that was present in the star before it collapsed.

Fascinating! Thanks so much!
 
By the way, neutrons may be electrically neutral but they still have magnetic moments.
 
I'm fascinated. Is there a link that could explain this?
 
A brief explanation for the magnetic fields of neutron stars is offered here; http://www.astronomycafe.net/qadir/q250.html, If neutrons have no magnetic polarity, why do neutron stars have such strong magnetic fields?
 

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