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Neutron Stars/X-ray Binaries
Such extreme forces occur in nature when the central part of a massive star
collapses to form a neutron star. The
atoms are crushed completely, and the electrons are jammed inside the protons to
form a star composed almost entirely of neutrons. The result is a tiny star that
is like a gigantic nucleus and has no empty space.
Neutron stars are strange and fascinating objects. They represent an extreme
state of matter that physicists are eager to know more about. Yet, even if you
could visit one, you would be well-advised to turn down the offer.
The intense gravitational
field would pull your spacecraft to pieces before it reached the surface. The
magnetic fields
around neutron stars are also extremely strong. Magnetic forces squeeze the atoms
into the shape of cigars. Even if your spacecraft prudently stayed a few thousand
miles above the surface neutron star so as to avoid the problems of intense
gravitational and magnetic fields, you would still face another potentially fatal
hazard.
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