Pulsars
A pulsar is a star that emits radiation from its two magnetic poles. These poles accelerate particles through the magnetic field and these particles moving emit radiation that we can see with telescopes. This radiation acts like a light house beacon so when its streaks into an observatories view, there is a chance to track down the pulsar. There is a chance because these pulses have very quickly, around milliseconds to seconds in length. Although the pulsar is also emitting these accelerated particles, scientists can only observe them when it is pointed in there direction. Much like a light house can not be seen unless the light is shining in your direction.
Diagram
                          of a Pulsar
https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/objects/neutron_stars1.html
Diagram of a Pulsars Rotation
https://makeagif.com/gif/the-oblique-rotator-model-for-a-pulsar-V9omU3
The first pulsar was discovered in 1967 and was called LGM1 meaning Little Green Man 1. When Pulsars were originally discovered astronomers believed that it might be a signal from an extraterrestrial source. Much like other things in space pulsars were discovered by accident. In the case of pulsars, Jocelyn Bell and Anthony Hewish were looking at distant galaxies using a radio telescope.


Previous Home Next