Pulsars: fluctuating speed of rotation?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter likewhaaa
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pulsars Rotation Speed
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Pulsars, which are neutron stars known for their precise rotational timing, can experience fluctuations in their rotation speed due to phenomena known as "glitches." These glitches are often attributed to starquakes, which are analogous to tectonic events on Earth. Such fluctuations can result in a pulsar rotating at different speeds over time, potentially changing from a rotation period of 0.5 seconds for several months to another speed thereafter. The discussion highlights the complexity of pulsar behavior and the importance of understanding these glitches in astrophysical research.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of neutron stars and their properties
  • Familiarity with pulsar mechanics and timing
  • Basic knowledge of astrophysical phenomena such as starquakes
  • Awareness of the concept of glitches in pulsar rotation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms behind pulsar glitches and their implications
  • Explore the role of starquakes in neutron star dynamics
  • Study the timing precision of pulsars and its applications in astrophysics
  • Investigate the differences between pulsars and other types of neutron stars
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and students interested in the dynamics of neutron stars and pulsar behavior.

likewhaaa
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Please excuse the lay question; I'm not an astrophysicist nor do I study it accademically, but it interests me is all.

I have a question about pulsars that I've tried to research via google, but the results I'm getting are very heavy, accademic texts. So, I'm hoping someone here could explain in laymen's language: can the speed of a pulsar's rotation fluctuate routintely? And if so, how (starquakes? could they occur routinely??), and to what effect? Could it, say, rotate every 0.5 second for a few months, and then for another few months at another speed?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can kindly help :)
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Pulsars are among the most precise 'clocks' in the universe, but, are not always perfect. Many 'glitches' in pulsar frequency have been observed. You correctly surmised that star quakes are the usual suspect. Pulsars are neutron stars with phenomenally rigid crusts, but, apparently are not immune to the earthly equivalent of tectonic events. Wiki has a good article here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotating_radio_transient
 
Last edited:
Chronos said:
Pulsars are among the most precise 'clocks' in the universe, but, are not always perfect. Many 'glitches' in pulsar frequency have been observed. You correctly surmised that star quakes are the usual suspect. Pulsars are neutron stars with phenomenally rigid crusts, but, apparently are not immune to the earthly equivalent of tectonic events. Wiki has a good article here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotating_radio_transient

Thanks so much Chronos!
 

Similar threads

Graduate Sudden Earth Rotation Deceleration Theory
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
High School Reducing resonance in a rotating "World"
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
High School Why is speed constant when centripetal acceleration is constant?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
High School Andy Meadowcroft - Introduction (and a question about nuclear fusion)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Synchronizing clocks at different locations to measure speed of light
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
High School Does Force Travel Faster Than Light?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Increasing Planetary Rotational Speed
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Energy conservation in Doppler (NOT cosmological) redshifts?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Was the Big Bang a quantum mechanical vacuum fluctuation?
  • · Replies 85 ·
3
Replies
85
Views
13K
Graduate Stuff I always wondered about astrophysics
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
9K