Pulsars

A spinning neutron star with a magnetic field on the order of one trillion Gauss. This magnetic field accelerates electrically charged particles along the magnetic poles, forming a beam of energy that shoots into space from the poles. If the beam shines toward Earth, astronomers see a flickering beacon. The most famous pulsar, the Crab Nebula, pulses 30 times a second.

Radio Programs

Guitar Nebula Strumming a few astronomical notes Saturday, March 16, 2013
Pulsar Planets Reborn from a violent demise Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Wobbly Clocks Listening for cosmic “ripples” Friday, May 11, 2012
Geminga Giving birth to a “dead” star Sunday, February 12, 2012
Pulsar Planets Planets around a dead star Sunday, January 8, 2012
Pulsars The steady beat of dead stars Saturday, January 7, 2012
Pulsars III Cracking the crust of a star
Pulsars II Dead stars attract some attention
Pulsars Mysterious cosmic pulsars

Featured Images

Artist's concept of the pulsar and planets in the system PSR B1257+12
Second-Chance Planets Sunday, January 8, 2012
Big Hand for a Little Star Monday, April 6, 2009
Magnetar Thursday, March 5, 2009
Stellar Lighthouse Monday, February 25, 2008

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