Safe distance from a neutron star

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "goldilocks range" from a neutron star, exploring the conditions necessary for potential habitability in the vicinity of such celestial objects. Participants examine the implications of irradiance, energy emissions, and the challenges posed by high-energy radiation on planetary atmospheres.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific distance range from a neutron star that could be considered habitable, referencing the concept of a "goldilocks zone."
  • One participant notes that the goldilocks zone is defined by the conditions necessary for liquid water, which depend on irradiance proportional to distance squared.
  • Another participant calculates a potential circumstellar habitable zone for the closest neutron star, suggesting a distance of approximately 0.039 astronomical units, but emphasizes that this is not an exact measure.
  • Concerns are raised about the hostile environment around neutron stars, particularly due to high-energy radiation and particle emissions that could strip away planetary atmospheres.
  • Some participants argue that only larger planets, such as super Earths, might retain sufficient atmospheres to support life, while others highlight the destructive nature of supernova events associated with neutron star progenitors.
  • There is mention of specific celestial bodies, like Europa and Titan, as potential candidates for harboring life despite their proximity to neutron stars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a general consensus that neutron stars present significant challenges to habitability, but there is no agreement on what constitutes a "safe distance" or the exact implications for potential life in their vicinity. Multiple competing views remain regarding the conditions necessary for life and the viability of planets near neutron stars.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of defining a "safe distance" due to varying factors such as irradiance, planetary mass, and atmospheric retention, which are not fully resolved in the discussion.

Blue Shift 2112
what is the goldilocks range from a neutron star?
 
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I don't think life would be easy if the local source of energy is X-rays.
 
Blue Shift 2112 said:
what is the goldilocks range from a neutron star?
The title question is not the same as the question you posted.

The goldilocks zone or "circumstellar habitable zone" is defined by the irradiance that allows liquid surface water on a planet similar to earth. Irradiance is proportional to distance squared.

The closest neutron star PSR_J0108-1431 has a spin down energy release of 5.8 x 1023 W. Which corresponds to 1.5 x 10-3 solar luminosity. You can stick that number into the equation and calculate the CHZ: √(1.5x 10-3) = 0.039 astronomical units is the same range as earth. The CHZ is not an exact distance.

A "safe distance" is quite a different matter. Much of the irradiance comes in the form of x-rays and high energy particles. The surface temperature may be between 0 and 100C but the atmosphere would be ripped away if the planet is similar to earth.

Higher mass planets might hold on to an atmosphere for awhile longer. The bottom of a deep sea trench would not receive high energy radiation. There is discussion about the possibility of life on Europa or Titan.
 
Neutron stars tend to be rather hostile to life. Not just because of their excessive high energy radiation and particle emissions, but, also due to their lineage. It is fairly well established they would wreak havoc upon planetary atmospheres. Only a super Earth would be able to retain enough of an atmosphere to sustain biologic processes. Also consider that the typical neutron star progenitor is a supernova - an event that does not bode well for complex molecules, much less any preexisting life forms. Significant time would be needed for a newborn neutron star to settle down sufficient to permit biogenesis to reboot on any surviving planets..
 

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