This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Neutron stars are extremely dense celestial objects formed at the final stage of massive stars’ lives, following a supernova explosion. In the core of a star approximately ten times the mass of the Sun, hydrogen and helium undergo nuclear fusion until they are converted into iron. Since iron cannot be fused to release energy, the star’s core collapses, causing the outer layers to fall inward and triggering a violent supernova explosion. After this explosion, the star’s core contracts dramatically to form an incredibly dense object about 20 kilometers in diameter and equivalent to 1.5 solar masses. This compact and dense celestial body is known as a neutron star (TÜBİTAK, 2014).
After a supernova explosion, neutron stars shrink to a volume vastly smaller than their original size. Due to the conservation of angular momentum, this contraction causes their rotation speed to increase dramatically. This phenomenon can be compared to a figure skater spinning faster by pulling their arms inward. These rapidly rotating neutron stars are called “pulsars.” Pulsars can rotate hundreds of times per second (Kivelson & Russell, 1995).
Neutron stars possess immense mass and powerful gravity, which theoretically could pose a threat to the Solar System. They could disrupt planetary orbits, trigger collisions between planets, or damage Earth’s atmosphere through gamma-ray bursts. Neutron stars with exceptionally strong magnetic fields are known as “magnetars.” Due to their intense magnetic fields and high energy levels, magnetars could represent a potential threat. However, at present, such stars are located far from Earth and do not constitute a direct danger (NASA, n.d.).
Recent research has revealed that heavy elements such as gold in the universe are produced by collisions between neutron stars. During these collisions, gamma-ray bursts generate gold and other heavy elements. Scientists from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics have confirmed that such collisions are the primary source of gold in the universe. This discovery helps explain why gold on Earth is so rare (TÜBİTAK, 2014).
Why Do They Rotate So Rapidly?
Can They Be Dangerous?
Are Neutron Stars the Source of Gold?
