Neutron Star Mass: Understanding the Chandrasekhar Limit

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SUMMARY

The Chandrasekhar limit, approximately 1.4 Msolar, defines the maximum mass a white dwarf can possess, supported by electron degeneracy pressure. However, neutron stars can exist with masses below this limit, as they are supported by neutron degeneracy pressure. The confusion arises from the misconception that all stellar remnants above 1.4 Msolar must be neutron stars. Factors such as the density of the proto-neutron star also influence its classification and stability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Chandrasekhar limit and its implications for white dwarf stars.
  • Knowledge of neutron degeneracy pressure and its role in supporting neutron stars.
  • Familiarity with stellar evolution and the lifecycle of stars.
  • Basic concepts of stellar density and its impact on stellar classification.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of neutron stars and their formation processes.
  • Study the implications of neutron degeneracy pressure in astrophysics.
  • Explore the relationship between stellar mass, density, and stability in stellar remnants.
  • Examine advanced topics in stellar evolution, focusing on the transition from white dwarfs to neutron stars.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in stellar evolution and the characteristics of neutron stars.

blumfeld0
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The Chandrasekhar limit (~1.4 Msolar) is an upper limit to the mass a white dwarf star. So this means we can not have a white dwarf star in nature that weighs more than this. But is it true that we can have a neutron star that weighs less than 1.4 Msolar?
If so, this makes no sense to me because "the Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum nonrotating mass which can be supported against gravitational collapse by electron degeneracy pressure". But a neutron star is supported by neutron degeneracy pressure!
I always learned that if the remnant core of star was more than 1.4Msolar it would have to be a neutron star? but how can it be less than this and still be a neutron star?

Where am i going wrong?

thank you
 
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I've checked some refences and why it can be a NS below M_Chandrasekhar is perhaps written in this source:

http://www.aanda.org/index.php?option=article&access=standard&Itemid=129&url=/articles/aa/ps/2001/08/aah2358.ps.gz


Also things like density of the proto-NS matters etc, density and mass plays a role.
 
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