The neutron star zoo

Alice K. Harding

Front. Phys. ›› 2013, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (6) : 679-692.

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Front. Phys. ›› 2013, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (6) : 679-692. DOI: 10.1007/s11467-013-0285-1
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The neutron star zoo

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Abstract

Neutron stars are a very diverse population, both in their observational and their physical properties. They prefer to radiate most of their energy at X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths. But whether their emission is powered by rotation, accretion, heat, magnetic fields or nuclear reactions, they are all different species of the same animal whose magnetic field evolution and interior composition remain a mystery. This article will broadly review the properties of inhabitants of the neutron star zoo, with emphasis on their high-energy emission.

Keywords

stars / neutron stars / pulsars / binary stars

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Alice K. Harding. The neutron star zoo. Front. Phys., 2013, 8(6): 679‒692 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11467-013-0285-1

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