What is a pulsar?

Answer 1

A supernova leaves behind a tiny object termed a neutron star, which is far smaller than the Earth. It is the core of the star that exploded. The protons and electrons of its atoms have been squashed together by the force of the supernova, and they form the atomic particles known as neutrons.

A neutron star is unimaginably dense. It contains the mass of the Sun, but has that mass squeezed into a ball perhaps 20km (12 1/2 miles) across. Further, neutron stars are so small that they can spin very rapidly, many times per second or faster. When they spin they emit electromagnetic radiation which can appear as flashes from earth.

If the magnetic pole of the neutron star is "pointed" [See related link - Pictorial of pulsar] towards Earth, they are called pulsars, as they "pulse" as they spin and can be detected.

The flashes produced by the pulsars are detected as the electro magnetic radio waves caught up by the radio telescopes

The most notable pulsar is PSR B1919+21 with a period of 1.3373 seconds. When it was first discovered it was dubbed "LGM 1" for little green men 1, as the astronomers believed that only extraterrestrial life could generate such a precise signal.

See related links for more information.

The Pulsar is a car model by Nissan, but this question is in the Category of Astronomy, and its answer reflects that.

Answer 2

Pulsars are neutron stars that are formed when a large star burns up its fuel and collapses on itself. The process happens when fuel is exhausted so that the star cannot produce heat energy which causes it to expand. Gravity causes it to collapse and then when it is suddenly so compacted the heat becomes so intense that it suddenly blows up because of uncontrollable nuclear fusion. The compressed core remains (neutron stars) and it spins on its axis with a beam of radiation and light coming from it. When the light goes in your direction you see a flash so that is why it is called a pulsar.

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