What Happens When Neutron Degeneracy Pressure Dominates?

Have you ever wondered what happens when the formidable force known as neutron degeneracy pressure, which supports the structural integrity of a neutron star, is overwhelmed? Well, when a neutron star accumulates an immense amount of mass, it reaches a critical point where this pressure is no longer sufficient to counteract gravitational forces. At this juncture, the neutron star undergoes a catastrophic collapse, condensing into an extraordinarily dense entity known as a black hole. In this transformed state, the gravitational pull is so intense that not even objects traveling at the speed of light can escape its grasp. This fascinating phenomenon occurs when a neutron star surpasses a certain mass threshold, leading to the formation of a black hole. This process, which defies conventional physics and was observed as recently as January 11, 2021, raises intriguing questions about the fundamental nature of our universe.

When neutron degeneracy fails, it leads to a critical celestial event known as a supernova implosion. This phenomenon occurs when a massive stellar remnant, typically with a mass greater than the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit of approximately 2.1 solar masses (M☉), experiences an overpowering gravitational force. Neutron degeneracy pressure, which normally counteracts this force by preventing further gravitational collapse, becomes insufficient to maintain the stability of the star.

At this point, the combination of degeneracy pressure and the opposing nuclear forces within the neutron star can no longer hold off the gravitational forces trying to crush the star inward. As a result, the star rapidly collapses in on itself, forming a highly compact and dense object known as a black hole. This dramatic transformation is a pivotal moment in astrophysics, marking the transition from a neutron star to a gravitational singularity, where the laws of physics as we currently understand them cease to apply.