On the Mass Distribution and Birth Masses of Neutron Stars

Details On the Mass Distribution and Birth Masses of Neutron Stars On the Mass Distribution and Birth Masses of Neutron Stars

2012-01-04

arxiv.org/abs/1201.1006v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena

submitted to ApJ

Scientific paper

We investigate the distribution of neutron star masses in different populations of binaries, employing Bayesian statistical techniques. In particular, we explore the differences in neutron star masses between sources that have experienced distinct evolutionary paths and accretion episodes. We find that the distribution of neutron star masses in non-recycled eclipsing high-mass binaries as well as of slow pulsars, which are all believed to be near their birth masses, has a mean of 1.28 M_solar and a dispersion of 0.24 M_solar. These values are consistent with expectations for neutron star formation in core-collapse supernovae. On the other hand, double neutron stars, which are also believed to be near their birth masses, have a much narrower mass distribution, peaking at 1.33 M_solar but with a dispersion of only 0.06 M_solar. Such a small dispersion cannot easily be understood and perhaps points to a particular and rare formation channel. The mass distribution of neutron stars that have been recycled has a mean of 1.48 M_solar and a dispersion of 0.2 M_solar, consistent with the expectation that they have experienced extended mass accretion episodes. The fact that only a very small fraction of recycled neutron stars in the inferred distribution have masses that exceed ~2 M_solar suggest that only a few of these neutron stars cross the mass threshold to form low mass black holes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Mass Distribution and Birth Masses of Neutron Stars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On the Mass Distribution and Birth Masses of Neutron Stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Mass Distribution and Birth Masses of Neutron Stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-608436