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How long do neutron stars typically last before collapsing completely?

Alayna Vanichev

Neutron stars are incredibly dense objects that are formed from the remnants of massive stars that have undergone stellar collapse. They are comprised primarily of neutrons and are so dense that just a sugar-cube-sized amount of neutron-star material would weigh roughly as much as an entire mountain range on Earth. Due to their incredible density, the gravitational forces at play in neutron stars are incredibly strong, which can result in extremely high pressures and temperatures within their interiors.

So, how long do neutron stars typically last before collapsing completely? The answer to this question, like many in astrophysics, is somewhat complex and depends on a variety of factors.

Firstly, it's important to understand that collapse isn't necessarily an instantaneous event. Neutron stars can slowly degrade over time, losing energy and mass through a variety of mechanisms. However, if the forces within the neutron star become too destabilizing, collapse can occur in a matter of seconds or less.

The length of time that a neutron star can last before collapsing completely depends on a variety of factors. These include its initial mass, its rotation rate, and the strength of its magnetic field.

In general, more massive neutron stars will collapse more quickly than less massive ones. This is due to the fact that the stronger gravitational forces at play in more massive stars can cause them to collapse more quickly and with greater force.

Rotation rate also plays a significant role in determining how long a neutron star will last before collapsing. If a neutron star is rotating rapidly, its centrifugal force can help to counteract the gravitational forces pulling it inward. This can prolong the life of the star, as it takes longer for the forces of collapse to overcome the centrifugal forces that are holding it together.

Finally, the strength of a neutron star's magnetic field can also impact its lifespan. Strong magnetic fields can help to stabilize the star and prevent it from collapsing too quickly.

In summary, the lifespan of a neutron star depends on a variety of factors. While no two neutron stars are exactly the same, we can generally say that more massive neutron stars will collapse more quickly, while those with high rotation rates or strong magnetic fields may last longer before collapsing completely.