Neutron star blows away models for thermonuclear explosions

in this specific case a neutron star is exibiting non uniform conditions on the surface,

PhysOrg.com) -- Amsterdam astronomers have discovered a neutron star that confounds existing models for thermonuclear explosions in such extreme objects. In the case of the accreting pulsar IGR J17480-2446, it seems to be a strong magnetic field that causes some parts of the star to burn more brightly than the rest. The results of the study, by Yuri Cavecchi et al. (2011), are to be published in the journal Astrophysical Journal Letters.

source

so this theory and observation seem to point to a magnetically induced change in the surface of a neutron star, changing the suface conditions and temperatures depending on magnetic conditions,

the linked site explains it better than i so go take a read.

i wounder what soild/liquid state would be achived under these cirumstances in the surface layer?
liquid soil? soild liquid? and what would be the combined "quantum" effects of haing matter in that state,
in that form of energy "collectivism"?

xploder

It's nonsense. There is no such thing as a neutron star, except in theoretical computer simulations. This proves it is nonsense, since it does not fit their theoretical model.

reply to post by CaptChaos

Instead, the astronomers think that the magnetic field of the star might explain the uneven burning. The exploding gas expands, moving upwards and outwards. This churns up the magnetic field, which acts like an elastic band to prevent the burning bubble from spreading any further. “More theoretical work is needed to confirm this, but in the case of J17480 it is a very plausible explanation for our observations”, says lead author Yuri Cavecchi (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands).

source

gas can build up on the neutron star surface and explode in a fast, high-energy thermonuclear reaction. Normally, the entire surface of the star explodes uniformly

same souce
xploder

Thanks for bringing this to our attention OP. I am not sure what to make of it but it is interesting stuff.

Originally posted by CaptChaos
It's nonsense. There is no such thing as a neutron star, except in theoretical computer simulations. This proves it is nonsense, since it does not fit their theoretical model.

The article doesn't say it doesn't fit their theoretical model. In fact it says they already have a pretty good idea of the cause in this case, they just need to confirm it:

Instead, the astronomers think that the magnetic field of the star might explain the uneven burning. The exploding gas expands, moving upwards and outwards. This churns up the magnetic field, which acts like an elastic band to prevent the burning bubble from spreading any further. “More theoretical work is needed to confirm this, but in the case of J17480 it is a very plausible explanation for our observations”, says lead author Yuri Cavecchi (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands).

Co-author Anna Watts (University of Amsterdam) stressed that their new model may not necessarily explain non-uniform burning for all stars. “The new mechanism may only work in stars like this one, with magnetic fields that are strong enough to stop the flame front from spreading. For other stars with this odd burning behavior, the old models might still apply.”

Note that the article also states that the old model might still apply to stars with weaker magnetic fields. I guess they just didn't anticipate this unique effect from a stronger magnetic field.

So the model may just need a tweaking, to account for what happens when the magnetic field is stronger.