Pulsar Spectrum: The Mystery of Neutron Star's Black Body Emission Revealed

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In summary, pulsars have been detected emitting in visible light, X-ray, and gamma ray wavelengths, in addition to their initial discovery in radio wavelengths. Newly formed neutron stars have a temperature of around 10^{11} to 10^{12} K, but the emission of neutrinos causes it to decrease to around 10^{6} K within a few years. At this temperature, most of the light emitted by a neutron star is in X-rays. However, in visible light, neutron stars radiate roughly equal energy in all parts of the spectrum, appearing white. The rotation of neutron stars causes a beam that is expected to be in the radio spectrum, which is observable as periodic variability. This information is useful for studying for
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alialice
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I know that pulsars have been discovered as radio sources. But ... where does the hypothetical black body spectrum of a neutron star peak? Does it emit more in radio or in X rays?
Thank you
 
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Although the first detected pulsars emitted in radio wavelengths, they have, subsequently, been found to emit in visible light, X-ray, and/or gamma ray wavelengths.

Your question might be read as a question about a neutron star temperature: well, the temperature inside a newly formed neutron star is from around [itex]10^{11}[/itex] to [itex]10^{12}[/itex] kelvin. However, the huge number of neutrinos it emits carries away so much energy that the temperature falls within a few years to around [itex]10^{6}[/itex] K. At this temperature, most of the light generated by a neutron star is in X-rays. Note that in visible light, neutron stars probably radiate approximately the same energy in all parts of visible spectrum, and therefore appear white.

The beam due to their rotation is expected to be in the radio spectrum: in fact we observe periodic-variability in the radio part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

I hope I studied well in order to answer your question correctly.
 
  • #3
Very good! Thank you for your answer! By the way, it seems like you're studying for an astronomy exam!
 

FAQ: Pulsar Spectrum: The Mystery of Neutron Star's Black Body Emission Revealed

What is a pulsar's spectrum?

A pulsar's spectrum refers to the range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a pulsar, which is a highly magnetized and rapidly rotating neutron star. This spectrum typically includes radio waves, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

How is a pulsar's spectrum produced?

A pulsar's spectrum is produced by the interaction between the pulsar's strong magnetic field and its rapidly rotating, highly energetic beams of particles. As these particles move, they emit electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths, creating the pulsar's spectrum.

What can we learn from a pulsar's spectrum?

Studying a pulsar's spectrum can provide valuable information about the pulsar's physical properties, such as its magnetic field strength and rotation rate. It can also help us understand the environment around the pulsar and the processes involved in its emission of radiation.

How is a pulsar's spectrum measured?

A pulsar's spectrum is measured using telescopes that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. These telescopes capture the pulsar's radiation and convert it into data, which can then be analyzed to determine the pulsar's spectrum.

Can a pulsar's spectrum change over time?

Yes, a pulsar's spectrum can change over time due to various factors such as changes in the pulsar's rotation rate, magnetic field strength, and the surrounding environment. These changes can be observed and studied to gain a deeper understanding of pulsars and their evolution.

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