Why do pulsars emit flashing beams of radiation?

  • Thread starter Andy DS
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In summary, pulsars emit flashing beams of radiation due to their rapid rotation and strong magnetic fields. As the pulsar rotates, it emits energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, which is concentrated at the magnetic poles. The strong magnetic field causes the radiation to be emitted in a narrow beam, resulting in the pulsar appearing to "flash" as it rotates. This phenomenon is known as a lighthouse effect and is similar to a rotating beacon of light. Pulsars are believed to emit these beams of radiation due to the conservation of angular momentum, as the pulsar's rotation slows down over time. This behavior is essential in understanding the properties and evolution of these fascinating cosmic objects.
  • #1
Andy DS
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I like to think I'm a scientifically literate person and as an engineer I find that physicists don't always explain some of the more interesting details of how things work like why does a pulsar flash if the beam of radiation comes from the pole, wouldn't this mean it always points in the same direction.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PhysicsForums, Andy. :smile:

This section of the forums only for introductions, not for asking questions. Please start a new thread in the technical physics forums with your question, and post links to the reading you have been doing so far on your question. You will get good help when you do that.

If the technical forum that you post in has a "thread prefix" rating system, it's probably best to mark your thread title with the "I" = Intermediate level (undergraduate level). An "A" prefix means you want the discussion to be at the Advanced / graduate school level.
 

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