Which is the densest star and how much does it bend light rays?

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SUMMARY

The densest known normal star is a neutron star, which significantly bends light rays due to its intense gravitational field. The amount of light deflection can be calculated using the star's mass and radius, following the principles of the shell theorem. This theorem states that an onion-like distribution of mass behaves like a point mass outside its radius. The discussion emphasizes the need for numerical or analytical methods to determine the exact degree of light bending around such stars.

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Can someone tell me how much does a light ray bend when it passes over the surface of the densest star known?

Is it like 1 degree, or more like 30 degrees?

Please leave out black holes, this question is about normal stars, the densest one that is known.

Is Sirius the densest normal star known?
 
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Ulysees said:
Can someone tell me how much does a light ray bend when it passes over the surface of the densest star known?

Is it like 1 degree, or more like 30 degrees?

Please leave out black holes, this question is about normal stars.

Is Sirius the densest normal star known?
I believe the densest type of star would be a neutron star. Not sure about what the limits of the mass of such a star would be and that is qhat is needed to determine the maximum amount of deflection.

Pete
 
It can be shown that an onion-like distribution of mass is equivalent to a point mass (ie the field it produces outside is identical to that of a point mass, shell theorem). Therefore, if I give you the radius of a star, and its mass, can you work out the deflection?

If yes, would that be a numerical calculation or it can be done analytically too, in approximation?
 

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