The discussion centers around the generation of magnetic fields in magnetars, which are a type of neutron star. Participants explore the roles of neutrons, protons, and electrons in the formation of these magnetic fields, as well as the historical context of magnetic field inheritance from supernova events.
Participants express disagreement regarding the role of neutrons in generating magnetic fields, with some asserting that neutrons cannot contribute due to their charge, while others highlight their intrinsic magnetic moment. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the mechanisms involved.
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the contributions of neutrons versus charged particles and the specifics of the geodynamo process in neutron stars. Additionally, the dependence on historical context and the persistence of magnetic fields is acknowledged but not fully explored.
Neutron star cores contain a percentage of electrons and protons. I've seen estimates as high as ten percent.swampwiz said:If a magnetar is a neutron star, how do the neutrons composing the star generate a magnetic field? A neutron has zero charge, so it generates no magnetic field.
That's not true. Neutrons have an intrinsic magnetic moment, though I'm unsure if this contributes to a magnetar's magnetic field or not. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_magnetic_momentswampwiz said:If a magnetar is a neutron star, how do the neutrons composing the star generate a magnetic field? A neutron has zero charge, so it generates no magnetic field.
Not true. A neutron has a magnetic moment - i.e. is a little magnet in and of itself.swampwiz said:A neutron has zero charge, so it generates no magnetic field.