Could a neutron star be a bit like our Sun or any other star? Just to have a dif
ID: 1324615 • Letter: C
Question
Could a neutron star be a bit like our Sun or any other star?
Just to have a different scale:
A neutron star fusioning not hydrogen and other elements but neutrons and quarks in its core at a stable, constant speed, would release energy, and the neutron star would therefore be larger than just packed neutrons would be.
It would shine with very high frequency electromagnetic waves like gamma rays and far beyond. Finally it would be burning all its "material" into someting weird and collapse. Would it be possible for the neutron star to explode as a supernova or gamma-ray burst?
Explanation / Answer
No. The mechanisms by which Neutron Stars work are pretty well understood as far as the processes happening there in relation to physics. "Fusing" neutrons doesn't give you any new fundamental particles. Instead, it's easier to think of it as a giant neutron by itself (with added stuff).
Here are a few additional links on Neutron Stars that may prove helpful:
Neutron Stars as Quantum Systems (PDF).
Neutron Stars and Pulsars (Penn State).
Neutron Stars and Black Holes (University of Northern Iowa).