Dr. Rodrigo Negreiros: New Publication on the Lightest Neutron Star Observed

Dr. Rodrigo Negreiros of Catholic Institute of Technology recently had a paper published in the Astrophysical Journal, “Can the Central Compact Object in HESS J1731-347 Be Indeed the Lightest Neutron Star Observed?” This study helps us to understand how some neutron stars form, especially ones in systems with two stars. 

An unusually lightweight neutron star called XMMU J1732 was discovered to be located in a supernova remnant, and another star nearby, IRAS 17287-3443. Dr. Negreiros and his colleagues argue that the neutron star formed from the collapsing iron core, the center of the star, was spinning so quickly that as it collapsed, the core lost some of its mass, ending up as a smaller neutron star. 

They also suggest that the exploding star was in a binary system with IRAS 17287-3443 before the explosion; when the star exploded it broke apart, explaining why the neutron star and the nearby star are now a little separated. The study ultimately suggests that the neutron star XMMU J1732 might be the lightest neutron star to ever be found!

For more information on Dr. Negreiros’ study, read the full publication here.