How to explain the strange pulsar in the Crab Nebula?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the pulsar in the Crab Nebula, particularly focusing on its radiation characteristics and the implications of observed features in X-ray images. Participants explore theories regarding the pulsar's structure, radiation mechanisms, and the interpretation of visual data.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the pulsar is a single non-accreting neutron star, with its excess X-ray radiation attributed to its young age and high surface temperature, while also noting the presence of a gas vortex around the pulsar.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between the magnetic dipole and the rotation axis, seeking clarification on the original question posed.
  • A different viewpoint asserts that the observed features are part of a pulsar wind nebula, characterized by shock waves and a jet aligned with the rotation axis, rather than a vortex or cone of radiation.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the conclusions drawn from the visual data, implying that interpretations may be overly speculative based on unclear imagery.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the interpretation of the pulsar's features and the mechanisms behind its radiation. Multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the nature of the pulsar and its emissions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of the observed X-ray features, and there are varying assumptions about the relationship between the pulsar's magnetic field and its radiation patterns.

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TL;DR
According to generally accepted ideas, the pulsar in the Crab Nebula is a single non-accreting neutron star, and the excess of X-ray radiation in its spectrum is explained by its young age and high surface temperature. However, in the X-ray photo of the Crab Nebula, a vortex of gas around the pulsar is clearly visible. Moreover, a cone of radiation is visible coming out of the pulsar in the center of the vortex, which is directed far from our direction.
According to generally accepted ideas, the pulsar in the Crab Nebula is a single non-accreting neutron star, and the excess of X-ray radiation in its spectrum is explained by its young age and high surface temperature. However, in the X-ray photo of the Crab Nebula, a vortex of gas around the pulsar is clearly visible. Moreover, a cone of radiation is visible coming out of the pulsar in the center of the vortex, which is directed far from our direction.
According to generally accepted ideas, radiation from gas accretion onto a neutron star spreads in the form of a cone from magnetic poles, to which the accreted matter flows down in the form of a vortex. We see this scheme in the X-ray photo of the pulsar.
In this case, accretion is a random additional phenomenon that showed where the perpendicular from the magnetic pole of the emitting object is directed.
And it is not directed at us, which probably contradicts the generally accepted ideas about the radiation of pulsars (including radio pulsars, of which this pulsar is believed to be a predecessor).

What do you feel about it?
 

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Isn't the magnetic dipole perpendicular to its rotation axis?
Or what exactly is your question?
 
It's a pulsar wind nebula, with shock waves and a jet aligned with rotation axis. Not a vortex or a cone of radiation of the type that is producing the pulses.
https://arxiv.org/abs/1703.05184

Line_112 said:
What do you feel about it?
I feel that, once again, you're trying to form far reaching conclusions based on how a blurry picture looks to you.
 
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The question in the original post has been answered, so this thread will remain closed.
 

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