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Minimum Neutron Star Mass in Neutrino-Driven Supernova Explosions
Bernhard Müller1, Alexander Heger1, Jade Powell2
1Monash University, School of Physics and Astronomy, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia.
Physical Review Letters
|March 7, 2025
Summary
Scientists simulated supernovae to find the lowest possible neutron star mass. They achieved a record-low 1.192 solar mass neutron star, suggesting the 1.174 solar mass object in J0453+1559 could be a neutron star.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Stellar Evolution
- Neutron Star Physics
Background:
- Supernova theory faces challenges explaining the lowest mass neutron star candidates.
- The compact binary system J0453+1559 contains a 1.174 solar mass object, a key test for neutron star formation theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the theoretical lower mass limit for neutron stars.
- To investigate the possibility of forming a neutron star with a mass close to the observed 1.174 solar mass object.
Main Methods:
- Performed three-dimensional (3D) supernova simulations.
- Utilized five stellar models near the minimum mass for iron core collapse.
Main Results:
- Achieved a record-low simulated neutron star mass of 1.192 solar masses.
- Simulations indicate a substantial neutron star natal kick of approximately 100 km/s.
Conclusions:
- A neutron star origin for the 1.174 solar mass object in J0453+1559 remains plausible.
- The study provides crucial data for refining theoretical lower limits on neutron star birth masses.
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