Degenerate Stars
In astronomy, the term compact star (sometimes compact object) is used to refer collectively to white dwarfs, neutron stars, other exotic dense stars, and black holes. These objects are all small for their mass. The term compact star is often used when the exact nature of the star is not known, but evidence suggests that it is very massive and has a small radius, thus implying one of the above-mentioned possibilities. A compact star which is not a black hole may be called a degenerate star.
Read more about Degenerate Stars: Compact Stars As The Endpoint of Stellar Evolution, Lifetime, Planets, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Exotic Stars, Black Holes
Famous quotes containing the words degenerate and/or stars:
“Our brave forefathers have exterminated all the Indians, and their degenerate children no longer dwell in garrisoned houses nor hear any war-whoop in their path.”
—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)
“Ere he was born, the stars of fate
Plotted to make him rich and great:
When from the womb the babe was loosed,
The gate of gifts behind him closed.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)