Understanding stellar collapse: From neutron star to black hole

The process of establishing this threshold proves to be difficult as the conditions within neutron stars are extreme, and the challenge of nuclear physics is taken to the limit.

A Spoonful of Extremes

A spoonful of a neutron star material would be about one billion tons in weight. It is under these pressures that the atoms are crushed, and the protons fill the electrons in forming neutrons. Exotic particles such as hyperons, or quarks might be at the core which cannot be duplicated at the earth.

The Mass Gap Mystery

Understanding the collapse threshold assist astronomers in determining the mass gap.  This gap is the space between the heaviest neutron stars and the lightest black holes. Some observations have been made when neutron star mergers.

This incident occurred in 2017 with the gravitational wave, give essential data that have been used to optimize models and therefore predict outcome in extremely dense stars.

Astronomical Implications

These insights improve our knowledge of stellar evolution, neutron star composition, and black hole formation. By studying the limits of neutron star compactness, scientists can better understand the extreme forces shaping the cosmos.

Bottom Line

Although neutron stars have been considered to be stable, the outcome depends on their mass, density and internal pressures. Any further exceedance of the TOV limit turns these cosmic giants into black holes and this is a spectacular conclusion of stellar remnants.