Maximum mass of a neutron star

Feb, 1974
4 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.Lett. 32 (1974) 324-327

Citations per year

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Abstract: (APS)
On the basis of Einstein's theory of relativity, the principle of causality, and Le Chatelier's principle, it is here established that the maximum mass of the equilibrium configuration of a neutron star cannot be larger than 3.2M[m?]. The extremal principle given here applies as well when the equation of state of matter is unknown in a limited range of densities. The absolute maximum mass of a neutron star provides a decisive method of observationally distinguishing neutron stars from black holes.