Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the angle of the Crab Pulsar relative to the ecliptic, as well as inquiries about its period and frequency. Participants explore the implications of these measurements for calculating radial velocity and the timing of observations from Earth.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant asks for the angle the Crab Pulsar makes to the ecliptic, indicating a need for this information for calculations involving radial velocity.
- Another participant suggests that celestial coordinates can be found online and mentions the need to convert these coordinates from equatorial to ecliptic.
- A separate inquiry is made regarding the precise value of the Crab Pulsar's period, with concerns about the reliability of the Wikipedia entry and a request for a more accurate source.
- One participant provides a suggestion to use the SIMBAD Astronomical Database to find the pulsar's coordinates, though it does not contain the period.
- Another participant discusses calculating the radial velocity of the Crab Pulsar based on observed frequency data from the Canary Islands, noting the difference between observed and intrinsic frequency due to the radial velocity.
- There is an exploration of how to determine the time of year when the radial velocity of the Crab Pulsar would equal a specific value, linking this to the right ascension coordinate.
- A follow-up question is raised about identifying the right ascension of objects that would yield zero radial velocity at specific solstices and equinoxes.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express various inquiries and hypotheses, but there is no consensus on the angle of the Crab Pulsar to the ecliptic or the precise period of the pulsar. Multiple competing views and methods for calculation are presented without resolution.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention approximations in their calculations, such as neglecting Earth's rotational motion and assuming the Crab Pulsar lies on the ecliptic. There are also references to the need for reliable sources for specific values, indicating potential limitations in available data.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to those studying pulsars, celestial mechanics, or anyone involved in observational astronomy, particularly in relation to the Crab Pulsar and its properties.