Magnetar Meaning: Definition and Examples
🌌
magnetar
[ˈmæɡ.nɪ.tɑːr ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Astronomy
- Magnetars are a type of neutron star, which are the remnants of massive stars that have exploded in supernovae.
- They have magnetic fields that are about a trillion times stronger than Earth's magnetic field, making them some of the most powerful magnets in the universe.
- Due to their intense magnetic fields, magnetars can cause powerful bursts of gamma rays, which are among the most energetic events known.
Science
- The strong magnetic fields of magnetars can distort surrounding space and affect nearby stars and celestial objects.
- Scientists study magnetars to better understand the behavior of matter under such extreme conditions of density and magnetism.
Pop Culture
- Magnetars have been featured in various sci-fi media, highlighting their incredible power and mysterious nature, sometimes as sources of energy or cosmic threats.
- They have sparked interest in the realm of speculative physics and theories in science fiction regarding advanced civilizations harnessing their energy.
Psychology
- The awe-inspiring nature of magnetars can invoke feelings of wonder and curiosity about the vast universe, influencing how people think about space exploration.
- Interest in cosmic phenomena like magnetars can drive a desire for learning and scientific literacy, showing how high-level concepts can inspire young scientists.
Origin of 'magnetar'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'magnet,' referring to the star's powerful magnetic field, and 'tar,' from 'neutron star,' indicating its dense nature.
- It was first proposed in the 1990s by astronomers to explain certain astronomical phenomena.
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.