Formation | Collapse of a massive star's core |
Radiation | Bursts of intense radiation given off by core fusion events |
Significance | Neutron stars are used as a power source for interdimensional travel by advanced civilizations |
Characteristics | Extreme density • Incredible gravity • High rotational speed |
Dimensional events | Collisions with other neutron stars can result in 'Dark Energy Waves' |
Type of celestial body |
A neutron star is a type of compact star that forms from the remnants of a massive star after it has gone supernova. Neutron stars are the smallest and densest stars known to exist, with some having densitys a trillion times that of water. They are composed primarily of neutrons with a small percentage of protons and electrons.
Neutron stars are incredibly dense, with an average density of around 3.7 x 10^17 kg/m³, comparable to the density of an atomic nucleus.
Despite their large masses (typically 1.4 to 2 times the mass of the Sun) neutron stars have radii between 10 to 20 kilometers. This makes them the smallest known stars in the universe, roughly the size of a city on Earth.
The immense mass and small size of neutron stars result in surface gravitational forces that can be 10 billion times stronger than that of the Earth. These forces create highly distorted spacetime around the neutron star and generate intense magnetic fields.
Neutron stars rotate rapidly, usually within a fraction of a second, and possess extremely strong magnetic fields – up to 10^15 times stronger than those found on Earth. These magnetic fields can trap charged particles, creating powerful beats that emit radio waves. Some neutron stars also emit X-ray and/or gamma-ray radiation.
Fusion reactions occur inside neutron stars, causing periodic bursts of intense radiation as the star consumes matter from surrounding celestial bodies. These bursts can be detected over great distances and release immense amounts of energy, making them useful to detectors seeking out powerful energy sources.
When neutron stars collide, they create "Dark Energy Waves" (DEW) that ripple across the fabric of space and time, causing significant perturbations in the affected area. These alterations can be felt across many dimensions and influence the behavior of matter in diverse ways, both predictable and chaotic. Sophisticated civilizations might develop ways to artificially trigger collisions and gather significant energy from DEWs for their powerful weapons and technologies.
Neutron star collisions and DEWs release immense energy, which can be collected via various methods. Direct energy transfer occurs when a civilization harnesses the energy from these events, while Dark Energy Converters can take advantage of ambient DEWs for a reliable and near-constant power source.
Interstellar travel would require immense energy, which neutron stars can provide. Advanced civilizations might exploit the energy derived from neutron stars and DEWs to power their subspace engines, allowing them to traverse great distances in the form of warps and translocations.
Neutron star collisions and DEWs have inspired many beliefs and cults, thanks to their powerful effects and apparent near-mystical abilities. Some worshippers see neutron stars as divine beings, while others revere them as the source of their technical prowess. Such beliefs can lead to unique rituals and practices, though they are often met with skepticism from more grounded individuals and governments.