What type of star is formed from a large mass star?

A neutron star is formed from the remnants of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion. When a large mass star expends its nuclear fuel, it can no longer produce the energy needed to counteract gravitational collapse. As a result, the core of the star collapses under its own gravity. For stars with a mass greater than around 8 solar masses, this core collapse leads to conditions where protons and electrons combine to form neutrons, resulting in an incredibly dense object primarily composed of neutrons.

Neutron stars are some of the most extreme environments in the universe, featuring intense gravitational fields and rapid rotation. Their formation is a key part of the end-of-life processes for massive stars, representing a significant evolutionary step in stellar lifecycle studies. Understanding neutron stars helps astronomers learn about the behavior of matter under such extreme conditions, as well as the processes that govern stellar evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.