Magnetar: meaning, definitions and examples
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magnetar
[ ˈmæɡ.nɪ.tɑːr ]
astronomy, astrophysics
A magnetar is a type of neutron star with an extremely powerful magnetic field, which can be over a trillion times stronger than Earth's magnetic field. These celestial objects are among the most magnetic in the universe and can emit high-energy electromagnetic radiation, including X-rays and gamma rays. Magnetars are believed to be responsible for certain mysterious astronomical phenomena, including long-duration gamma-ray bursts and soft gamma repeaters.
Examples of usage
- The magnetar emitted a burst of gamma rays.
- Astronomers discovered a new magnetar in our galaxy.
- The powerful magnetic field of the magnetar affected nearby stars.
Word origin
The term 'magnetar' was first coined in 1992 by researchers Robert Duncan and Christopher Thompson, who proposed the existence of these incredibly magnetic neutron stars as a new class of celestial objects. The name combines the words 'magnet' and 'star', highlighting their distinct feature of having an exceptionally strong magnetic field. Magnetars are thought to evolve from massive stars that end their life cycles in supernova explosions. Their strong magnetic fields are generated by dynamo processes in their interiors, sustained during their rapid rotation. The study of magnetars has grown rapidly, revealing insights into extreme physics and the behavior of matter and energy under intense magnetic forces.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,930, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.