Neutron stars in general relativity and scalar-tensor theory of gravity

Abstract

The masses and radii of neutron stars are discussed in general relativity and scalar-tensor theory of gravity and the differences are compared with the current uncertainties stemming from the nuclear equation of state in the relativistic mean-field framework. It is shown that astrophysical and gravitational waves observations of radii of neutron stars with masses $M \lesssim 1.4 M_{\odot}$ constrain only the nuclear equation of state, and in particular the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy. Future observations of massive neutron stars may constrain the coupling parameters of the scalar-tensor theory provided that a general consensus on the dense nuclear matter equation of state is reached.