Pulsar class
Rotation-Powered Pulsar
A pulsar whose radiation is powered by the gradual loss of its rotational energy as it slowly spins down — the classic young pulsar, of which the Crab is the archetype. This is distinct from an accretion-powered X-ray pulsar, which draws its energy from infalling matter rather than from its own spin.
Highlights
- ›Powered by its own slowing spin — the Crab is the archetype
Classes, physics & objects
Across compact objects
Knowledge connections
- Associated withPulsar
- Associated withPulsar
- Associated withNeutron Star
- Associated withThe Crab Pulsar
- Associated withX-ray Pulsar
- Associated withThe Crab Pulsar
- Associated withThe Vela Pulsar
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.