Magnetar vs. Pulsar

Attribute	Magnetar	Pulsar
Definition	A type of neutron star with an extremely powerful magnetic field	A rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation
Magnetic Field Strength	10^15 Gauss or higher	10^8 - 10^12 Gauss
Rotation Period	1-10 seconds	From milliseconds to a few seconds
Energy Output	Can release more energy in a tenth of a second than the Sun does in a year	Varies depending on the type of pulsar
Discovery	First observed in 1979	First observed in 1967

Introduction

Magnetars and pulsars are both types of neutron stars, which are incredibly dense remnants of massive stars that have exploded in supernovae. While they share some similarities, such as their compact size and strong magnetic fields, there are also key differences between the two types of stars that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of magnetars and pulsars and compare their unique characteristics.

Formation

Magnetars are believed to form from the remnants of massive stars that have undergone a supernova explosion. During the supernova event, the core of the star collapses under its own gravity, forming a neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field. Pulsars, on the other hand, are formed when a massive star explodes in a supernova and leaves behind a rotating neutron star. The rapid rotation of the neutron star causes beams of radiation to sweep across space, creating the pulsating signals that give pulsars their name.

Magnetic Field Strength

One of the most striking differences between magnetars and pulsars is the strength of their magnetic fields. Magnetars are known for having the strongest magnetic fields of any known objects in the universe, with field strengths billions of times greater than that of Earth. These intense magnetic fields are thought to be responsible for the extreme behavior observed in magnetars, such as bursts of X-ray radiation and giant flares. Pulsars, on the other hand, have strong magnetic fields as well, but they are typically not as powerful as those of magnetars.

Rotation Rate

Another key difference between magnetars and pulsars is their rotation rates. Magnetars are known for rotating at a slower rate compared to pulsars, with some magnetars completing a full rotation in several seconds to minutes. This slow rotation is thought to be related to the extreme magnetic fields of magnetars, which can cause the star to slow down over time. Pulsars, on the other hand, are known for their rapid rotation rates, with some pulsars spinning hundreds of times per second. This rapid rotation is what causes the pulsating signals observed from pulsars.

Energy Output

Due to their intense magnetic fields and slow rotation rates, magnetars are known for their high energy output. These stars can release bursts of X-ray radiation that are thousands of times more powerful than the energy emitted by the Sun. The energy output of magnetars is thought to be related to the decay of their magnetic fields, which can release vast amounts of energy in the form of radiation. Pulsars, on the other hand, also emit energy in the form of radiation, but their energy output is typically lower compared to that of magnetars.

Observational Characteristics

When it comes to observational characteristics, magnetars and pulsars exhibit different behaviors that can be used to distinguish between the two types of stars. Magnetars are known for their sporadic bursts of X-ray radiation and giant flares, which can be observed by telescopes here on Earth. These bursts of energy are thought to be related to the intense magnetic fields of magnetars, which can cause the star's crust to crack and release energy. Pulsars, on the other hand, emit regular pulses of radiation that can be detected at regular intervals, giving them their characteristic pulsating signals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, magnetars and pulsars are both fascinating types of neutron stars with unique attributes that set them apart from each other. While magnetars are known for their incredibly strong magnetic fields and high energy output, pulsars are characterized by their rapid rotation rates and pulsating signals. By studying these two types of stars, astronomers can gain valuable insights into the extreme conditions that exist in the universe and the processes that govern the behavior of these enigmatic objects.