Constraints on neutron-star theories from nearby neutron star observations

TL;DR

This paper uses observations of nearby young neutron stars, especially the Magnificent Seven, to constrain nuclear equations of state and supernova models by analyzing their surface properties and origins.

Contribution

It introduces a method to utilize multi-wavelength observations of isolated neutron stars to inform nuclear physics and supernova explosion models.

Findings

Constraints on neutron star radii and masses.

Insights into supernova ejecta and progenitor star properties.

Potential identification of neutron star origins in supernova events.

Abstract

We try to constrain the nuclear Equation-of-State (EoS) and supernova ejecta models by observations of young neutron stars in our galactic neighbourhood. There are seven thermally emitting isolated neutron stars known from X-ray and optical observations, the so-called Magnificent Seven, which are young (few Myrs), nearby (few hundred pc), and radio-quiet with blackbody-like X-ray spectra, so that - by observing their surface - we can determine their luminosity, distance, and temperature, hence, their radius. We also see the possibility to determine their current neutron star masses and the masses of their progenitor stars by studying their origin. It is even feasible to find the neutron star which was born in the supernova, from which those Fe60 atoms were ejected, which were recently found in the Earth crust.