Pulsars - Rotating neutron star produces EM radiation?

In summary, pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit electromagnetic radiation. This is possible due to the presence of regular atoms and charged components (quarks) inside the neutron star, as well as a strong magnetic field inherited from its parent star. The acceleration of stellar debris surrounding the neutron star also contributes to the emission of high energy EM radiation. Three mechanisms are believed to power pulsar beaming: rotation, accretion, and magnetism.
  • #1
shounakbhatta
288
1
Pulsars -- Rotating neutron star produces EM radiation?

Hello,

If a neutron star is composed of neutrons, which do not carry any electric charge then how it's rotation produces pulsars which are electromagnetic radiation?

Thanks.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2


A neutron star can have an outer layer of regular atoms, and even some "atmosphere" of hot plasma. Apart from that, neutrons have charged components (quarks) inside, and they have a magnetic moment.
 
  • #3


Neutron stars also tend to have lots of stellar debris surrounding them as well. When this material is accelerated by the gravitational pull of the star, high energy EM radiation is emitted.
 
  • #4


Three basic mechansism are believed to power pulsar beaming
1. Rotation
2. Accretion
3. Magnetism
 
  • #5


Thank you very much for the help.
 
  • #6


shounakbhatta said:
Hello,

If a neutron star is composed of neutrons, which do not carry any electric charge then how it's rotation produces pulsars which are electromagnetic radiation?

Thanks.


A strong magnetic field is inherited from the parent star when the neutron star is formed. The star isn't 100% neutrons. Even at 3% or so charged particles that is a great many, so there is a strong magnetic field generated too.
 

FAQ: Pulsars - Rotating neutron star produces EM radiation?

What is a pulsar?

A pulsar is a type of neutron star, which is a highly dense and compact object that results from the collapse of a massive star. Pulsars are known for their rapid rotation and emission of electromagnetic radiation.

How do pulsars produce electromagnetic radiation?

Pulsars produce electromagnetic radiation through a process called synchrotron radiation. As the rapidly rotating neutron star interacts with its strong magnetic field, it accelerates particles to near-light speeds, causing them to emit radiation in the form of radio waves, visible light, and X-rays.

What is the significance of pulsars in astronomy?

Pulsars play a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. They provide evidence for the existence of neutron stars and the extreme physical conditions that exist within them. Pulsars also serve as precise cosmic clocks, allowing scientists to study the effects of gravity and test theories of relativity.

How were pulsars discovered?

Pulsars were first discovered by radio astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell in 1967. She noticed a series of regular radio signals while studying quasars, which were initially thought to be signals from an extraterrestrial civilization. However, further research revealed that they were coming from a rapidly rotating neutron star.

Can pulsars be observed with the naked eye?

No, pulsars cannot be observed with the naked eye. They emit electromagnetic radiation primarily in the radio wave spectrum, making them invisible to the human eye. However, they can be detected using specialized instruments such as radio telescopes and X-ray detectors.

Similar threads

A Very last pulse from a neutron star
Replies
2
Views
905
B Vulpecula, pulsars and neutron stars
Replies
10
Views
2K
I How Does the Size of Neutron Stars Compare to Black Holes?
2
Replies
48
Views
3K
I Can Tidal Locking Occur in Binary Neutron Stars Before Merger?
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Magnetar Mystery: How Do Neutrons Generate a Magnetic Field?
Replies
3
Views
2K
B Can Neutron Stars Lose Energy Through Radiation?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Creation of spinning neutron stars and pulsars
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Upper limit of relativistic spin?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Do neutron stars, pulsars, magnetars etc. have weather?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Why do pulsars emit radiation from both poles?
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top