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Thermal X-ray emission from neutron stars

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Abstract

The Einstein Observatory (HEAO 2) presents the first realistic opportunity to see a neutron star by observing radiation from its surface. In this review we show that the detection of such thermal radiation or the establishment of strong upper limits to neutron star temperatures is of considerable importance to the study of neutron star matter, neutron star structure, and polar magnetospheres.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory, Departments of Astronomy and Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York, 10027

    David J. Helfand, Gary A. Chanan & R. Novick

Authors
  1. David J. Helfand
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  2. Gary A. Chanan
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  3. R. Novick
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Helfand, D., Chanan, G. & Novick, R. Thermal X-ray emission from neutron stars. Nature 283, 337–343 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283337a0

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