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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.