If the iron core remnant's mass is below roughly $3 M_{\odot}$ after implosion begins, what halts the collapse to form a neutron star?

Answer

Neutron degeneracy pressure

If the remnant mass is sufficiently low (below roughly $3 M_{\odot}$), the collapse is eventually stopped when the density exceeds that of an atomic nucleus, initiating neutron degeneracy pressure, which strongly resists further confinement.

If the iron core remnant's mass is below roughly $3 M_{\odot}$ after implosion begins, what halts the collapse to form a neutron star?

#Videos

Can You Kill A Star With Iron? Why Iron Isn't Poison to Stars - YouTube

starstellar evolutionsupernovaastrophysicsFusionironiron fusion