Time Dilation at Center of a Neutron Star

In summary, the gravitational time dilation at the center of a neutron star is greatest due to the strong gravity caused by its mass and pressure. The equation of state for a neutron star is still unknown, making it difficult to accurately predict the time dilation. Current research is focused on finding a solution to Einstein's equations that takes into account the effects of both special and general relativity.
  • #1
PatrickPowers
240
1
From https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=40391 in gravitational time dilation.

DW said:
That formula is only valid for the region exterior to the earth. Inside the Earth the corresponding formula would be
[tex]t = \frac{\tau}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{2\Phi}{c^2}}}[/tex]
[tex]\Phi = \frac{1}{2}\frac{GM_{tot}r^{2}}{R^{3}} - \frac{3}{2}\frac{GM_{tot}}{R}[/tex]
where [tex]M_{tot}[/tex] is the mass of the planet, R is its radius, r is the distance of the clock inside the Earth from the center with [tex]\tau[/tex] as its time and t is the time for a far remote clock. According to this gravitational time dilation is greatest at the center.

At the center of neutron star PSR J1614-2230 at 1.97 SM

mass of Sun 1.9891×10^30 kg

mass of PSR J1614-2230. 4 ×10^30

gravitational constant = 6.67300 × 10-11 m3 kg-1 s-2

radius(rough estimate) = 10000m

phi = - 3/2 * 6.67300 × 10-11 * 4 ×10^30 / 10000

phi = - 4 × 10^20 / 10000

phi = - 4 × 10^16

sqrt( 1 + 2phi/c^2 )

sqrt( 1 - 2 * 4 × 10^16 / (3^10^8)^2

sqrt( 1 - 8 / 9 )

sqrt( 1/9) = .33

so time runs perhaps three times as slowly at the center than in an area of weak gravity.I have read that the gravity of a neutron star owes more to its pressure than its mass. I don't know whether these figures take that into account.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Presumably the M_tot includes all the contributions from pressure/energy. I'm not sure about interior solutions, but this is at least the case for the exterior Schwarzschild solution.
 
  • #3
The general form of the interior metric of a neutron star is not currently known, as far as I know, because the equation of state of the neutron degenerate matter, rho(P), is not known.

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neutron_star&oldid=464462435

wiki said:
The equation of state for a neutron star is still not known. It is assumed that it differs significantly from that of a white dwarf, whose EOS is that of a degenerate gas which can be described in close agreement with special relativity. However, with a neutron star the increased effects of general relativity can no longer be ignored. Several EOS have been proposed (FPS, UU, APR, L, SLy, and others) and current research is still attempting to constrain the theories to make predictions of neutron star matter
If you did know (or assume you knew) the equation of state, for a static star solving Einstein's equations (the interior Schwarzschild solution) arising from that equation of state would give you the interior metric, and hence the time dilation. If you wanted to go beyond the static approximation (i.e. to include the effects of radiation on the stellar structure), you'd need an even more sophisticated model.
 

What is time dilation at the center of a neutron star?

Time dilation is a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity, which states that time can appear to move slower or faster depending on the strength of gravity. At the center of a neutron star, the gravitational pull is incredibly strong, causing time to dilate or slow down.

How does time dilation at the center of a neutron star affect objects and people?

Objects and people near the center of a neutron star will experience time passing slower compared to those further away. This means that a clock on the surface of a neutron star would appear to tick slower than a clock on Earth.

Can time dilation at the center of a neutron star be observed?

Yes, time dilation at the center of a neutron star can be observed through various methods, such as using precise clocks or studying the light emitted from the star. These observations have confirmed that time does indeed pass slower near the center of a neutron star.

What is the cause of time dilation at the center of a neutron star?

The cause of time dilation at the center of a neutron star is the extreme gravitational force exerted by the star. Neutron stars are incredibly dense, with a mass of about 1.4 times that of our Sun packed into a sphere only about 12 miles in diameter. This immense mass creates a gravitational pull strong enough to significantly warp space and time.

Is time dilation at the center of a neutron star the same as black hole time dilation?

While time dilation at the center of a neutron star and black hole time dilation are both caused by strong gravitational forces, they are not the same. Black hole time dilation is significantly more extreme, as the gravitational pull is strong enough to prevent anything, including light, from escaping. However, both phenomena result in time appearing to move slower compared to a reference point outside of the gravitational field.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
34
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
82
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
128
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
737
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
744
Back
Top