Imagine a deceased star in the middle of the final start to more than 700 laps per second, before offering an unprecedented cosmic spectacle: it is the discovery made by NASA thanks to IXPE, which reveals the secret mechanism of this Milliseconde Pulsar.
PSR J1023+0038: How this pulsar alternates between cosmic gluttony and particle explosions
PSR J1023+0038 is a Pulsar Millisecondvestige of a supernova. On the one hand, he goes in phase calmwhen the material of a companion star forms a accretion disk Around him. On the other, he switches to the phase activeby ejecting a particle wind overheated.
Each cycle lasts just a few hours. During the transition, this pulsar seems to “die” and then “be reborn”. To observe these tips, astronomers combined the data of three giants: the X telescope Ixpethe Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the radio network VLA.
Thus, they were able to follow step by step the back and forth of material and energy. This behavior, purely theoretical so far, is now documented in images and spectra.
IXPE unveils a 12 % polarization record which confirms the impact of the particle wind
The IXPE instrument has measured a 12 % polarization on X -rays issued by PSR J1023+0038. Has such a rate have never been reached on a pulsar of this type. At the same time, the radio waves (2 %) and the visible light (1 %) display the same polarization orientation.
This coherence proves that all these radiations are born from the same mechanism : The particle windwhen it strikes the accretion disc, generates polarized light. In other words, it is not the simple fall of the shining matter, but the collision extreme between material and magnetic field.
By associating these results with those of the VLT and the VLA, the researchers validated the sequence “aspiration of matter” then “explosion of particles”. This observation constitutes the first direct testimony of this process.
Challenges for the stellar magnetosphere and the theory of relativity
This discovery turns the models of the magnetosphere Neutron stars. First, it reveals how the magnetic field Rearrays after each accretion phase. Then it provides a life -size test for the general relativity in ultra-intensive fields.
In addition, by studying several psr J1023+0038 flip -flops, astronomers will estimate the critical mass of material necessary to propel the rebirth of the pulsar. In addition, these multi-long wave observations will allow the measurement of rotation speeds and Radiation pressures.
Ultimately, these new tools will be used to decipher the life and death of pulsars in our galaxy and beyond.
Towards a catalog of duplicate stars
Ultimately, the revelation of this cycle bistable marks a major turning point. Henceforth, future missions – IXPE, VLT, VLA and the James Webb Telescopewill target others pulsars bistables. Quickly, a catalogue dedicated will emerge, forcing the revision of our theories on the stellar.
Thus, the universe proves to us that it always has surprises in store, even in the last life beats of the stars. Science fiction gives way to the most stunning reality: a star can move … then reborn, once again defying human imagination.
