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

 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
Fermi Looking into a hidden universe Friday, October 30, 2009
More Crab Nebula Life after death for a heavy star Friday, August 29, 2008
Recycled Planets Recycling on a planetary scale Friday, June 27, 2008
Pulsars III Cracking the crust of a star Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Pulsars II Dead stars attract some attention Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Pulsars Mysterious cosmic pulsars Monday, February 25, 2008

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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