What types of neutron stars are in the Galaxy?

What types of neutron stars are in the Galaxy?

Image Credit : NASA Edited By Arabian Space Science

Credit Image: Nasa Space Center

Neutron stars, remnants of massive stars that have undergone supernova explosions, come in various types, each with its own unique features. Here are some important details about the different types of neutron stars:

Credit Image: Nasa

 

1. Radio Pulsars:

 Emit regular radio pulses.

 Neutron stars with powerful magnetic fields rotating swiftly.

 Observable across the electromagnetic spectrum, not limited to radio waves.

 

2. X-ray Pulsars:

 Emit pulses of X-rays instead of radio waves.

 Typically found in binary systems with a normal star, accreting matter from its companion.

 

3. Magnetars:

 Possess extremely strong magnetic fields, significantly higher than other neutron stars.

 Exhibit bursts of X-rays and gamma rays due to magnetic activity.

 

4. Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs):

 Display periodic radio signals, but with longer intervals between pulses compared to regular pulsars.

 Their sporadic nature makes them challenging to detect.

 

5. Binary Neutron Stars:

 Exist in binary systems, either orbiting another neutron star or a normal star.

 Emit gravitational waves as they spiral inward, eventually merging in a cataclysmic event known as a kilonova.

 

6. Low-Mass X-ray Binaries (LMXBs) with Neutron Stars:

 Consist of systems where a neutron star accretes matter from a lower-mass companion.

 Emit X-rays due to the high temperatures generated during the accretion process.

 

7. Thermally Emitting Neutron Stars (TINS):

 Primarily emit thermal X-rays.

 Believed to be older neutron stars that have cooled down after their initial formation.

 

8. Central Compact Objects (CCOs):

 Found in the remnants of supernova explosions, such as supernova remnants or pulsar wind nebulae.

 Display characteristics of neutron stars but may not always exhibit pulsar-like behavior.

 

9. Strange Quark Stars (Hypothetical):

 Theoretical type of neutron star composed of strange quark matter.

10.Recycled Pulsars:

 Neutron stars that have undergone rejuvenation by absorbing matter from a companion star.

 They rotate at a high speed and experience a reduction in their magnetic fields due to the accretion process.

These distinct categories of pulsars exemplify the wide range of results stemming from stellar evolution and the diverse circumstances in which neutron stars can thrive within our galaxy.

Still speculative, and their existence has not been confirmed.