pulsar

Cosmic radio lighthouse

A pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles.

As the star spins, these beams sweep across space like a lighthouse, producing regular pulses detectable from Earth—hence the name, from "pulsating star." Pulsars rotate with extraordinary precision, some spinning hundreds of times per second.

astronomy

rotation

Turning on an axis

lighthouseCoastal beacon tower
spinRapid rotation around axis
beamStructural support member

glitch · timing · period · magnetosphere · supernova · collapse · dense · nebula · discovery

radiation

gamma-ray

Highest-energy electromagnetic wave

electromagneticInvolving electric and magnetic fields
emissionDischarged substance or act
beamStructural support member

synchrotron · magnetar · high-energy · photon · spectrum · luminosity · intensity · wavelength

rhythm

beat

Rhythmic pulse or strike

regularityConsistent, predictable occurrence
cycleRepeating sequence of events
oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement

pattern · timing · period · rotation · spin · interval · cadence · clock · steady · repetition

signal

radio

Electromagnetic wave receiver

frequencyRate of recurrence
detectionAct of finding something
timingArt of choosing moments

period · regularity · antenna · telescope · spectrum · waveform · interference · precision · clock · emission

physics

neutron

Uncharged nuclear particle

quarkFundamental matter particle
gluonStrong force mediator
densityMass-to-volume ratio

gravity · mass · relativity · gravitational-wave · nuclear · fermion · spacetime · extreme · core

pulsar

rotation

gamma-ray

beat

radio

neutron

pulsar

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family