Alien patterns on a neutron star. Artwork of a neutron star with patterns on its surface. Neutron stars are the super-dense remains of a massive star

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Alien patterns on a neutron star. Artwork of a neutron star with patterns on its surface. Neutron stars are the super-dense remains of a massive star that has collapsed under its own gravity. The star has a mass up to three times that of the Sun despite being only around 25 kilometres across. It is composed mainly of neutrons, formed when protons and electrons are forcibly combined during the collapse. The extreme density, gravitational forces and high temperatures on a neutron star preclude any life form as we know it being able to exist. Some science fiction authors have suggested that nuclei could combine to form macronuclei, as buildings blocks of alien life.

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Size: 5600px × 3200px
Photo credit: © CHRISTIAN DARKIN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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