The Neutron Skin of ⁴⁸Ca and ²⁰⁸Pb: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

We discuss the neutron skins of 48Ca and 208Pb. We review and critically examine modern
 predictions and empirical constraints, with special attention to the dierent interpretations of the
 ndings from the PREX-II experiment and the recently reported value of the neutron skin in 48Ca
 extracted from the CREX experiment. We argue that, in the spirit of the ab initio philosophy,
 the path to understanding the behavior of dense neutron-rich matter must not circumvent fundamental
 nuclear forces. Based only on that argument, a thick neutron skin in 208Pb is highly unlikely.