"Doublet", Neutron and Neutron stars --- An essay on Landau and Neutron stars

TL;DR

This paper reviews the historical development of the concept of neutron stars, highlighting Landau's early speculations on dense matter and their significance for connecting microphysics and cosmic phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a historical analysis of Landau's pioneering ideas on neutron stars and their impact on the evolution of astrophysics and nuclear physics.

Findings

Landau's early speculation on dense matter predates neutron discovery

Historical insights into micro and cosmic physics interaction

Implications for physics education and scientific innovation

Abstract

The concept of extremely dense matter at supra-nuclear density was first speculated by L. Landau in the beginning of 1930s when neutron was just discovered. A historical review on these issues not only explains the interaction between micro and cosmic physics, but also has profound implications for scientific innovation. It is surely meaningful in realistic physics education to look back to this history. (The review was published in Chinese.)