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Research Paper | Astronomy Science | Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026 | Pages: 1239 - 1246 | India
Constraints on Neutron Star Maximum Mass and Implications for the Compact Object "Mass-Gap" from Packing Radius Analysis
Abstract: The compact object mass gap between neutron stars and stellar black holes remains a major unresolved problem in relativistic astrophysics. Motivated by the GW190814 event, this study examines neutron star compactness using a packing-radius framework combined with hoop conjecture considerations. Analytical estimates suggest an upper limit of approximately 2.65 M⊙ for observable neutron stars and propose a transitional compact configuration termed as "black neutron star" in the range 2.9 M⊙ to 3.2 M⊙. The results imply that certain compact objects within the mass gap may represent non-singular ultra-compact states rather than classical black holes. These findings provide testable implications for gravitational wave observations and constraints on the neutron star equation of state."
Keywords: Neutron star structure, compact object mass-gap, gravitational waves, equation of state, hoop conjecture, ultra-compact stars
How to Cite?: Ramen Kumar Parui, "Constraints on Neutron Star Maximum Mass and Implications for the Compact Object "Mass-Gap" from Packing Radius Analysis", Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1239-1246, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26318182530, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26318182530