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Neutron Starquakes Could Shake Up Nuclear Physics

Forget earthquakes – the tremors scientists are really excited about are happening thousands of light-years away. By studying “starquakes” in the ultra-dense remnants of collapsed stars, physicists hope to gain a new understanding of matter itself, according to a new study led by the University of Bath.

This isn’t just about the cosmos. As Dr. David Tsang, co-author of the study, explains, “We propose that, in the near future, asteroseismology could be used to obtain granular detail about matter inside neutron stars.” This granular detail could have significant implications for nuclear physics, a field that underpins everything from medical treatments to energy production.

Neutron stars are the collapsed cores of massive stars, squeezing more mass than the sun into a sphere the size of a city. This makes them the densest objects in the universe, with conditions so extreme that they can’t be replicated in any Earth-based laboratory.

The study, published in the journal Physical Review C, focuses on how these starquakes can test predictions about nuclear matter. By observing the vibrations and flares from these quakes using powerful telescopes, scientists can glean insights into the properties and behaviors of nuclear matter, such as protons and neutrons.

This information is crucial for validating theories like Chiral Effective Field Theory, which attempts to model the behavior of nuclear matter under extreme conditions. As Dr. Duncan Neill, lead author of the study, points out, “These results make clear the significance that astronomical observations could have for nuclear physics, helping connect fields of research that have traditionally been separate.”

The implications of this research are far-reaching. A deeper understanding of nuclear matter could lead to advancements in fields like health, national security, and energy. Imagine more targeted cancer treatments, safer nuclear reactors, and even the development of new energy sources.

But studying neutron stars is no walk in the park. These objects are incredibly distant and challenging to observe in detail. As the study notes, “Because of these challenges, scientists often focus on studying their basic, large-scale characteristics rather than the finer details.” This makes it difficult to thoroughly test specific scientific theories about neutron stars.

This is where asteroseismology comes in. By studying the vibrations and oscillations of neutron stars, scientists can gain a more nuanced understanding of their internal structure.

The study proposes using a specific type of starquake signature, called resonant shattering flares, to probe the properties of matter at the crust-core boundary of neutron stars. These flares occur when the crust of a neutron star cracks under the immense pressure, releasing a burst of energy.

The researchers believe that by measuring the frequency of these flares, they can gain valuable information about the nature of matter at this crucial boundary. This information can then be used to test and refine theories like Chiral Effective Field Theory.

The study also highlights the potential of asteroseismology to bridge the gap between astronomy and nuclear physics. “As this work develops, we may find that we are able to use asteroseismology to pinpoint properties of matter at various densities within neutron stars, allowing astronomy to lead the way in guiding the development of new nuclear physics techniques,” says Neill.

The researchers are optimistic about the future of asteroseismology. “We hope to expand our research in asteroseismology at Bath, seeing just how much it could tell us,” Neill adds.

This research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By combining the tools and techniques of astronomy and nuclear physics, scientists are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe and unlocking new possibilities for technological advancement.

So, the next time you feel the ground shake, remember that the real action might be happening far beyond our planet, in the heart of a collapsed star. And the knowledge gained from those distant tremors could one day transform our world.


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