Rotating Neutron StarsPhil Rosenfield, Fridolin Weber, Horst Lenske

Outline

Neutron stars: a short synopsis The structure of neutron stars Modeling neutron stars

The equation of state

Rotating or non-rotating Two results Conclusions

Introduction

A neutron star is left over from the supernova of a star not massive enough to leave a black hole.

Introduction

Mass: 1-2 MSun

Radius: 10 - 15 km Huge magnetic

fields Extremely dense Fastest Rotation

Rate: 1122 Hz 107−9 in a typical

galaxyIf I could get my bike tires going that fast, I’d be moving at 1,700 mph.On the surface of a typical sized neutron star, particles are moving at 80%c!

Objects that don’t make sense, that can’t be explained with current theories, are the guides that lead us to better understanding our universe.

The structure of neutron stars

Modeling Neutron Stars

NON ROTATING

Spherically Symmetric Curved space-time

ROTATING

Poles shrink, equator bulges

Maximum rotation rate

Frame dragging

Results

MASS-EQUATORIAL RADIUS Rotation Larger

Radius

PERIOD-MASS

Rotation More mass

Conclusions

Rotation matters These equations of

state can explain the fastest spinning neutron stars

What’s Next

Going to grad school – hope to look for more neutron stars