pulsar etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "pulsar" is derived from the term "pulsating radio source." It was first coined in 1967 by the British astrophysicist Antony Hewish, who discovered pulsars along with his student Jocelyn Bell Burnell.

Origin

Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit electromagnetic radiation in the form of radio waves. They are formed when massive stars collapse at the end of their life cycles, leaving behind a small, dense core of mostly neutrons.

As the neutron star rotates, its magnetic field interacts with the charged particles in its surroundings, generating radio waves. These radio waves are emitted in short, regular pulses that can be detected by radio telescopes on Earth.

The period of the pulses corresponds to the rotation period of the neutron star, which can range from milliseconds to seconds. Pulsars are classified into different types based on their spin rate and emission characteristics.

Types of Pulsars

• Millisecond pulsars (MSPs): Pulsars with rotation periods of less than 30 milliseconds.
• Normal pulsars: Pulsars with rotation periods between 30 milliseconds and 1 second.
• X-ray pulsars: Pulsars that emit energetic X-rays.
• Gamma-ray pulsars: Pulsars that emit gamma rays.
• Glitching pulsars: Pulsars that exhibit sudden changes in their rotation period, known as "glitches."

Pulsars have proven to be important tools for studying the properties of neutron stars, the behavior of matter in extreme conditions, and the evolution of stars. They have also been used as precise astrophysical clocks and for testing theories of gravity, such as General Relativity.

pulsar relate terms

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