For Clues to Neutron Stars, Scientists Probe Lead Nuclei’s Thin Neutron Skin (IMAGE)

DOE/US Department of Energy

For Clues to Neutron Stars, Scientists Probe Lead Nuclei’s Thin Neutron Skin

Caption

As nuclei get heavier, they have more neutrons than protons. A measurement of the lead nucleus confirmed that extra neutrons in heavy nuclei form a kind of neutron-rich “skin” (blue) around a more evenly distributed core (purple) of protons and neutrons.

Credit

Image courtesy of the Department of Energy Jefferson Lab

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Image courtesy of the Department of Energy Jefferson Lab

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