Moscow State University astronomers find a way to distinguish white dwarfs from neutron stars

MOSCOW: Astronomers at Moscow State University (MSU) have discovered observational spectral features that distinguish white dwarfs from neutron stars that are part of X-ray diffraction accreting binary systems. The university said this task has been one of the key problems of astrophysics over the past two decades. Using the new method makes it easier to unravel the nature of compact objects if their nature is controversial or unknown. Neutron stars and white dwarfs represent a unique opportunity to study the properties of matter in superdense states not found in terrestrial conditions. It is known that these objects differ in geometric and physical parameters. However, the observational line between them is very thin. "These observational signs are easy to apply in practice and do not require additional theoretical simulations. In fact, it is only necessary to observe the source during the X-ray flash and establish the nature of the evolution and the magnitude of the spectral index, which will immediately indicate the nature of the compact object. In the future, the use of the new method facilitates the path to unraveling the nature of compact objects in double X-ray systems, if their nature is controversial or unknown," said Elena Seifina, a leading researcher at the Moscow State University Traffic Police as quoted by AK and M Information Agency. Source: Emirates News Agency