Millisecond Pulsars (MSP)
.png)
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
- Indian astronomers have discovered two new Millisecond Pulsars (MSP)
What are MSPs?
- MSPs are dense, tiny neutron stars, which are formed when a massive star (for example, the Sun) collapses.
- They are named pulsars because they emit pulses of radiation at regular intervals.
- Millisecond pulsars emit radiations every few milliseconds.
|
NEUTRON STARS Neutron stars are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses. The very central region of the star – the core – collapses, crushing together every proton and electron into a neutron. If the core of the collapsing star is between about 1 and 3 solar masses, these newly-created neutrons can stop the collapse, leaving behind a neutron star. Note: Stars with higher masses will continue to collapse into stellar-mass black holes. Since neutron stars began their existence as stars, they are found scattered throughout the galaxy in the same places where we find stars. And like stars, they can be found by themselves or in binary systems with a companion. Neutron stars, are the densest bodies in the universe excluding black holes. A handful of neutron stars have been found sitting at the centres of supernova remnants quietly emitting X-rays. More often, though, neutron stars are found spinning wildly with extreme magnetic fields as pulsars or magnetars. PULSARS Pulsars are rotating neutron stars observed to have pulses of radiation at very regular intervals that typically range from milliseconds to seconds. Pulsars have very strong magnetic fields which funnel jets of particles out along the two magnetic poles. These accelerated particles produce very powerful beams of light. MAGNETARS Another type of neutron star is called a magnetar. In a typical neutron star, the magnetic field is trillions of times that of the Earth's magnetic field; however, in a magnetar, the magnetic field is another 1000 times stronger. |
Study of MSP Radiation Properties
- The properties of these radiations can reveal key information about the neutron stars, which are the densest bodies in the universe excluding blackholes.
- Additionally, chances of detection of gravitational waves are higher when there is a significant population of MSPs in a region. The study of gravitational waves is one of the keenly watched fields in astronomy currently.
ALL ABOUT BLACK HOLES, PULSAR, QUASAR, MAGNETAR: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/black-hole
READ ABOUT GMRT: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/gmrt
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements. a) In a typical neutron star, the magnetic field is trillions of times that of the Earth's magnetic field. b) Millisecond Pulsars (MSP) are formed when a massive star collapses. c) Neutron stars, are the densest bodies in the universe. d) Neutron stars are often found spinning wildly with extreme magnetic fields as pulsars or magnetars. Which of the statements given above are incorrect? 1. a and b only 2. b and d only 3. a, b and d only 4. All of the above. Correct Answer: 3) a, b, and d only Neutron stars, are the densest bodies in the universe excluding black holes. |
1.png)
