How does a nebula form from a neutron star

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the formation of nebulae from neutron stars, particularly pulsars, and explores the processes involved in their creation and the differences between pulsar nebulae and planetary nebulae. Participants examine the roles of supernova explosions, the composition of nebulae, and the energy dynamics associated with pulsars.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a nebula around a pulsar may originate from the matter released during the supernova explosion, questioning whether the pulsar continues to release matter.
  • Another participant clarifies that the nebula consists of gases expelled during both the supernova and the earlier giant/supergiant stages, noting that shock fronts can form from the interaction of these materials.
  • There is a distinction made between planetary nebulae, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and supernova remnants that contain heavier elements.
  • Some participants propose that the pulsar may provide a kinematical kick or power radiation emissions, with uncertainty about the exact mechanism of how this energy interacts with the nebula.
  • One participant questions how the rotation of the pulsar contributes to the energy dynamics of the nebula, suggesting that gravity may play a role.
  • Another participant argues that the rotation of the pulsar would have an insignificant effect, but acknowledges the potential for a 'lighthouse' effect from the pulsar's radiation emissions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms by which pulsars interact with their surrounding nebulae, with no consensus reached on the specifics of energy transfer or the nature of the nebulae themselves.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of nebulae, the specifics of energy dynamics, and the roles of different elements in the composition of nebulae. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions and interpretations about the processes involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying astrophysics, particularly in the areas of stellar evolution, supernova mechanics, and the properties of neutron stars and their remnants.

kdlsw
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Here is my understanding, please correct me if I am wrong, thanks
At the end of the giant stage of a star, it experiences a supernova explosion, and turns into a neutron star (could be pulsar) or black hole, the explosion releases a lot of its matter.

Here is what I don't understand:

1 there could be nebula around a pulsar, where does the nebula come from, is it simply the matter released in the supernova explosion? Or it keep releasing from the pulsar?

2 for smaller mass stars, at the end of red giant stage of a star, a planetary nebula forms before it turns into a whit dwarf, is the planetary nebula the same thing as the nebula of a pulsar? only the planetary nebula formed in a less violent way, while the pulsar nebula is formed from supernova explosion?

3 why it is said that the pulsar nebula needs to be powered, by the rotational energy of the pulsar? is this amount of energy used to against the gravitational force of the nebula, to prevent it from collapsing?

Thanks
 
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My understanding of the process is as follows:

1. The nebula is composed of the gases expelled from the star during both the supernova and the previous giant/supergiant stage. In many cases the gases expelled from the supernova will overtake the previously expelled material and form large shock fronts where the collision heats up both materials until they glow.

2. Planetary nebula are generally composed of hydrogen and helium, with trace quantities of other elements. Supernova remnants typically have much larger amounts of heavier elements created in the supernova.

3. I haven't heard of this before. Are you sure you aren't talking about how the pulsar powers its emitted beams of radiation?
 
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You have two options here, the pulsar provides a kinematical kick, or powers radiation emissions. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
 
Chronos said:
You have two options here, the pulsar provides a kinematical kick, or powers radiation emissions. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

What exactly is it powering?
 
Chronos said:
You have two options here, the pulsar provides a kinematical kick, or powers radiation emissions. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

It's the radiation emission, I am wondering how does rotation of the pulsar provides power to the non-touching nebula? by gravity?
 
Rotation would have an insignificant effect. It would, however, have a significant 'lighthouse' effect.
 

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