Giant Nucleus
A neutron star has some of the properties of an atomic nucleus, including density and being composed of nucleons. In popular scientific writing, neutron stars are therefore sometimes described as giant nuclei. However, in other respects, neutron stars and atomic nuclei are quite different. In particular, a nucleus is held together by the strong interaction, while a neutron star is held together by gravity. It is generally more useful to consider such objects as stars.
Read more about this topic: Neutron Star
Famous quotes containing the words giant and/or nucleus:
“Hip is the sophistication of the wise primitive in a giant jungle.”
—Norman Mailer (b. 1923)
“I could not undertake to form a nucleus of an institution for the development of infant minds, where none already existed. It would be too cruel.”
—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)