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  1. Home
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  3. Pulsar
Stellar Astronomy

Pulsar

Definition

A highly magnetized rotating neutron star emitting beams of radiation from its magnetic poles. As it rotates, the beams sweep like a lighthouse, creating a pulsing signal. Pulsars can rotate up to hundreds of times per second.

Related Terms

Neutron Star

The collapsed core of a massive star after a supernova, with 1.4-2 solar masses in a sphere about 20 km across. Incredib...

Supernova

A powerful explosion at the end of a massive star's life, briefly outshining an entire galaxy. Supernovae scatter heavy ...

Magnetosphere

The region of space surrounding a planet dominated by its magnetic field. Earth's magnetosphere extends tens of thousand...

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Full Glossary

Browse all 66+ space and astronomy terms.

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