Fiction:Virgo Birch Planet/Degenerate

Degenerate Matter
Degenerate matter is matter that exists at much higher densities than ordinary matter and is only kept from collapsing further due to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauli_exclusion_principle#:~:targetText=The%20Pauli%20exclusion%20principle%20is,within%20a%20quantum%20system%20simultaneously. Pauli Exclusion Principle]. This states that two fermion particles cannot be in the same quantum state and so cannot overlap with each other, forming a pressure that opposes the density of the matter increasing further. There are various levels of degeneracy pressure, each of which correspond to the subatomic makeup of the matter changing as to not violate the principle by compacting tighter. Although capable or creating the stars that such materials are normally found inside in nature, the planet will usually create the described materials in specialized reactors as this greatly enhances efficiency.

Neutron Stars
Neutron stars are very compact objects with many layers filled with neutron degenerate matter of various structures and compositions. Due to their extreme density, they have extremely strong surface gravity and internal pressure, which dictates a lot of their properties. The magnetic fields of neutron stars are extreme, reaching strengths of between thousands to billions of Tesla. Neutron stars are very hot, sometimes reaching billions of degrees, although they cool down over time as they aren't sustained by fusion. These extreme conditions mean that neutron stars are hazardous objects, even to a structure as vast as the Virgo Birch Planet. This means they are often managed further away from the main structure, or in pocket dimensions.

The surface of a neutron star is covered with a very smooth shell of iron due to the element's stability. the tallest "mountains" on this surface are only 5 mm high, and the atmosphere of the star is only a few micrometers thick. The mantle of the star contains progressively denser and denser forms of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pasta#:~:text=The%20competition%20between%20the%20forces,resembles%20various%20types%20of%20pasta. nuclear pasta]. At the core, the density of the neutrons has reached that of an atomic nucleus, forming neutron degenerate matter, or, neutronium. Sometimes, the cores of neutron stars may contain particles that are unstable under siddernt conditions such as strange matter, or exotic baryons/mesons.

Neutronium
The planet has a large amount of neutronium on reserve as it was mined from the neutron stars present in the Pristini Galaxy before it was collapsed, meaning the synthesis of new matter is rare. New neutronium is sometimes made in specialized Zwicky reactors which crush ordinary neutrons to form the neutronium. this means the repulsive fore of protons does not need to be overcome. Neutronium is very unstable outside the extreme gravity of the neutron star and will quickly decay into protons and electrons with a half-life of only ten minutes. To avoid this, neutronium is stored in containers built around small artificial zettatonne black holes to maintain the pressure without the presence of a whole star.

Due to its low half life and ability to give off energy when decaying, neutronium can be used in weapons, although this is seldom done as much more powerful weapons are available to the planet. Due to its density, very thin layers of neutronium can be used for compact but highly effective shields against impact and radiation.

Nuclear Pasta
Nuclear pasta is a strange form of matter in which neutrons and protons are packed closely together, but not yet close enough to form neutronium. It exists in the mantle of