Maximum Mass of a Neutron Star
Clifford E. RhoadesJoseph Henry Laboratories, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540R. RuffiniJoseph Henry Laboratories, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
1974en
ABI
Abstract
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 $3.2{M}_{[m?]}$. 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.
Identifiers
Citations and references
Cited by 80 references