If you wanted to study a neutron star would you use a visible light telescope or an x ray telescope?

Answer 1

Mostly neutron stars are detected with radio telescopes. Some can actually be seen with optical telescopes, and these are all optical pulsars.

Neutron stars were discovered because they are radio sources. The first star known to be a neutron star was the Crab Nebula neutron star, or Crab Pulsar, which was discovered to be a neutron star because of its radio emissions in 1965. Its apparent magnitude is 16.5. This puts it beyond the abilities of most amateur telescopes.

Answer 2

A neutron star would probably be about 10, no more than about 15, miles in diameter. It would likely give off intense x-rays as stray space dust fell onto the surface, and this would probably make it deadly to be anywhere within several million miles. Add to this the fact that the gravity gradient would be steep enough to cause incredibly intense tidal forces, and you can see that getting within visual distance of a neutron star would be exceptionally hazardous.

So an x-ray telescope would probably be best.

Answer 3

An x-ray telescope.

They are far too small to be seen optically.

Answer 4

You would need an X-Ray telescope. Neutron stars are supernova remnants, and the expanding shock wave from the supernova emits x-rays. Their infrared emission is relatively weak.

Answer 5

A radio telescope