Neutron star properties and the equation of state of neutron-rich matter

We calculate total masses and radii of neutron stars for pure neutron matter and nuclear matter in beta equilibrium. We apply a relativistic nuclear matter equation of state derived from Dirac-Brueckner-Hartree-Fock calculations. We use realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions defined in the framework of the meson exchange potential models. Our results are compared with other theoretical predictions and recent observational data. Suggestions for further study are discussed.