Neutron star surface
Neutron star surface temperature is the intense heat found at the outer layer of a young neutron star after a supernova.
Also known as: neutron star surface temperature
How big is it?
1,000,000 K · representative young surface temperature
Representative young surface temperature · representative
Typical recorded range: 100,000 K to 10,000,000 K.
A little perspective
Neutron star surface vs Fusion plasma: temperature comparison
The young surface temperature of a neutron star’s surface is 99,000,000 K lower than the temperature of fusion plasma.
Neutron star surface temperature is the intense heat found at the outer layer of a young neutron star after a supernova.
Fusion plasma is a state of matter where atomic nuclei and electrons are separated and nuclei can undergo nuclear fusion.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Neutron star surface
Representative young surface temperature: 1,000,000 K; representative; range 100,000 K–10,000,000 K.
A representative one-million-kelvin thermal surface scale for a young neutron star. Surface temperature falls as the remnant cools and depends on age, magnetic field, atmosphere and observing model.
NASA Imagine the Universe — Neutron stars
The marked representative young surface temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Fusion plasma
Temperature: 100,000,000 K; defined reference.
A 100 million K plasma example. High temperature alone does not specify total thermal energy.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1,000,000 K
We compare the young surface temperature of a neutron star’s surface. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 100,000 K to 10,000,000 K.
A representative one-million-kelvin thermal surface scale for a young neutron star. Surface temperature falls as the remnant cools and depends on age, magnetic field, atmosphere and observing model.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000,000 K | 100,000 K to 10,000,000 K | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTemperatureSpace Shuttle re-entry plasma8,000 KRepresentative plasma temperatureSpace Shuttle re-entry plasma is the extremely hot, ionised gas layer that forms around a spacecraft as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere at high speed.Nearest higher valueTemperatureFusion plasma100,000,000 KTemperatureFusion plasma is a state of matter where atomic nuclei and electrons are separated and nuclei can undergo nuclear fusion.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA Imagine the Universe — Neutron starsYoung neutron stars have million-kelvin thermal surfaces and cool over time.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceNeutron star20 kmA neutron star is the dense remnant core left after a massive star explodes as a supernova, composed mostly of neutrons.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.TemperatureFusion plasma100,000,000 KFusion plasma is a state of matter where atomic nuclei and electrons are separated and nuclei can undergo nuclear fusion.TemperatureSpace Shuttle re-entry plasma8,000 KSpace Shuttle re-entry plasma is the extremely hot, ionised gas layer that forms around a spacecraft as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere at high speed.TemperatureMolten iron1,811 KMolten iron is iron in its liquid state, formed by heating solid iron above its melting point.TemperatureLava1,373 KLava is molten rock that erupts from a volcano and flows on the Earth's surface before cooling and solidifying.TemperatureWood fire1,073 KA wood fire is the burning of wood in air, producing heat, light and flames.TemperatureHot oven200 °CA hot oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting food at elevated temperatures.