Guiding Questions

• What led scientists to the idea of a neutron star?

• What are pulsars, and how were they discovered?

• How did astronomers determine the connection between pulsars and neutron stars?

• How can a neutron star supply energy to a surrounding nebula?

• What are conditions like inside a neutron star?

• How are some neutron stars able to spin several hundred times per second?

• Why do some pulsars emit fantastic amounts of X rays?

• Are X-ray bursters and novae similar to supernovae?

• How massive can a neutron star be?