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AsteriaStar
Pulsar class

Pulsar

A rapidly rotating, magnetised neutron star observed as a source of regular pulses of radiation, usually in radio. The first was found in 1967 by Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish; thousands are now known, with periods from milliseconds to seconds. Pulsars are precise cosmic clocks used to test gravity and to search for gravitational waves.

Highlights

  • A neutron star seen as a pulsing cosmic clock

Across compact objects

Knowledge connections

Sources

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

    Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.