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Pulsar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pulsar

[ˈpʌl.sɑːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

astronomy phenomenon

A pulsar is a highly magnetized rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation out of its magnetic poles. As the pulsar rotates, these beams sweep across the sky like a lighthouse beam, and if the Earth is in the path of the beams, they can be detected as regular pulses of radiation. These signals can be observed in radio, optical, X-ray, or gamma-ray wavelengths. Pulsars are known for their precise timing and can rotate anywhere from once every few milliseconds to several seconds.

Synonyms

magnetar, neutron star.

Examples of usage

  • The pulsar was discovered using radio telescopes.
  • Astronomers measure the regularity of pulsar signals.
  • Pulsars can help scientists test theories of gravity.
  • The first pulsar was discovered in 1967.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Astronomy

  • Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit beams of radiation, observed as pulses when aligned with Earth.
  • The first pulsar was discovered in 1967 by astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who initially thought it might be signals from aliens.
  • Some pulsars rotate hundreds of times per second, making them some of the most precise clocks in the universe.

Physics

  • The extreme density of pulsars is caused by the collapse of a massive star, where a teaspoon of neutron star material would weigh about as much as a mountain on Earth.
  • Pulsars emit energy across a wide spectrum, including radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays, contributing to our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

Cultural Impact

  • The discovery of pulsars revolutionized astrophysics and led to the development of new theories regarding the life cycle of stars.
  • Pulsars have inspired various cultural references, appearing in literature, music, and films exploring space and science fiction themes.

Technology

  • Studies of pulsars have helped scientists test theories of general relativity by observing their precise timing and gravitational interactions.
  • Pulsars are being researched for potential use in navigation systems in space, as their signals can serve as cosmic waypoints.

Mathematics

  • The regular pulsing of these stars allows astronomers to utilize mathematical models to predict their behaviors and pulses over time.
  • The study of pulsars has led to the development of new algorithms in data analysis, improving how we interpret astronomical data.

Origin of 'pulsar'

The term 'pulsar' was first coined in 1968 by the British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell and her supervisor Antony Hewish, who discovered the first pulsar, known as PSR B1919+21, in 1967. The name is derived from the words 'pulsating star', reflecting the regular pulsing nature of the radiation emitted by these celestial objects. The discovery of pulsars provided significant insights into the nature of neutron stars and the extreme conditions present in the universe. Pulsars challenged existing theories about stellar evolution and continued to captivate astronomers, leading to further research and exploration of their properties and potential applications in understanding fundamental physics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,140, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.