Neutron-star physics
Neutron Degeneracy Pressure
The quantum pressure — arising from the Pauli exclusion principle acting on densely packed neutrons — that holds a neutron star up against its own gravity. It is far stronger than the electron degeneracy pressure that supports a white dwarf, but it too has a limit: above roughly two to three solar masses, no known pressure can prevent collapse into a black hole.
Highlights
- ›Quantum pressure that supports a neutron star
Classes, physics & objects
Across compact objects
Knowledge connections
- Associated withNeutron Star
- Associated withThe Neutron-Star Equation of State
- Associated withBlack Hole
- Associated withThe Neutron-Star Equation of State
- Associated withPSR J0740+6620
- Associated withThe Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.