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The optical counterpart of the isolated neutron star RX J185635−3754

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  • Frederick M. Walter

    (Z = 3800, State University of New York)

  • Lynn D. Matthews

    (Z = 3800, State University of New York)

Abstract

The extreme densities1 of neutron stars make them an ideal system in which to investigate the equation of state of nuclear matter; accurate determinations of neutron star masses and radii are crucial for this. Current observations of neutron stars in binary systems yield masses that are generally consistent with theory2. But measurements of radii are more difficult as they require the detection of thermal radiation from the surface, which in general is masked by emission from non-thermal processes in radio pulsars3 and X-ray binary systems4. Isolated radio-quiet neutron stars5 offer the best opportunity to observe the surface thermal emission. Here we report the detection of the optical counterpart of a candidate isolated neutron star, RX J185635−3754 (ref. 6). Our optical flux data, combined with existing extreme ultraviolet7 and X-ray6 observations, show the spectrum to be approximately thermal. By adopting the upper bound to the distance of the source, and assuming a plausible model for the spectral energy distribution, we find that the radius of the object cannot exceed 14 km. This result is inconsistent with a number of recent equations of state8 proposed for neutron stars.

Suggested Citation

  • Frederick M. Walter & Lynn D. Matthews, 1997. "The optical counterpart of the isolated neutron star RX J185635−3754," Nature, Nature, vol. 389(6649), pages 358-360, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:389:y:1997:i:6649:d:10.1038_38682
    DOI: 10.1038/38682
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