2023-12-16 08:22:06
Astronomers Unveil Strange Behavior of Pulsar J1023+0038
Astronomers have made a breakthrough discovery in deciphering the strange behavior of a mysterious pulsar known as J1023+0038. This rapidly transitioning pulsar emits material in sudden bursts, causing it to switch between two brightness states. The discovery was made possible thanks to extensive observations and analyses, shedding new light on the dynamics of these enigmatic celestial objects.
In a significant astronomical study, astronomers used 12 telescopes on the ground and in space, including three European Southern Observatory (ESO) facilities, to unveil the mystery surrounding the behavior of J1023+0038. The pulsar is a dead star that spins very fast and is located approximately 4500 light-years from Earth in the Sextant group, orbiting another star.
The pulsar has been actively attracting material from its companion star over the past decade, leading to the accumulation of material in a disk around the pulsar. This material then slowly falls into the pulsar, causing it to undergo continuous transition between two states. In the “high” mode, the pulsar emits X-rays, UV, and bright visible light, while in the “low” mode, it emits more radio waves and is dimmer at these frequencies.
One of the lead authors of the study, Maria Cristina Baglio, describes the unusual cosmic events observed with the pulsar, where huge amounts of material are launched into space within a very short period, causing the pulsar to transition between its two states. The study is detailed in the recently published article in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Coti Zaletti from the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics explains, “We discovered that the transition between the states results from a complex interaction between the wind of the pulsar, a flow of high-energy particles moving away from the pulsar, and matter flowing into the pulsar.”
The discovery of this strange behavior of the pulsar marks a significant advancement in the understanding of the dynamics of these celestial objects. Observations and analyses of the pulsar’s transition between brightness states provide valuable insight into the complex interactions that take place in the cosmos, furthering the scientific understanding of pulsars and their behavior.
For more information, the scientific article can be accessed at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202346418
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