Magnetar vs. Pulsar — What's the Difference?

A neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field.

A rotating neutron star that emits beams of radiation.

Known for sudden and intense bursts of x-rays.

Observed across various electromagnetic spectra.

Typically younger in the neutron star family.

Often used by astronomers to study space-time and gravity.

Can cause starquakes due to magnetic stress.

Can be part of a binary star system.

A subject of intense astrophysical study.

Considered a potential guide for space navigation.

A magnetar is a type of neutron star believed to have an extremely powerful magnetic field (∼109 to 1011 T, ∼1013 to 1015 G). The magnetic-field decay powers the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, particularly X-rays and gamma rays.

A pulsar (from Pulsating Radio Sources) is a highly magnetized rotating compact star (usually neutron stars but also white dwarfs) that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation out of its magnetic poles. This radiation can be observed only when a beam of emission is pointing toward Earth (similar to the way a lighthouse can be seen only when the light is pointed in the direction of an observer), and is responsible for the pulsed appearance of emission.

A neutron star with a very strong magnetic field. Magnetars are the proposed sources of observed gamma-ray bursts.

Any of several celestial objects emitting periodic, short, intense bursts of radio, x-ray, or visible electromagnetic radiation, generally believed to be quickly rotating neutron stars.

(star) A neutron star or pulsar with an extremely powerful magnetic field, especially those on which starquakes occur, thought to be the source of some gamma-ray bursts.

(astronomy) A rotating neutron star that emits radio pulses periodically.

A degenerate neutron star; small and extremely dense; rotates very fast and emits regular pulses of polarized radiation

Magnetars emit radiation in the form of x-ray and gamma-ray bursts sporadically over their active life, which may last for thousands to tens of thousands of years. Pulsars emit radiation consistently over much longer periods, typically millions of years.

Magnetars are formed from the collapse of massive stars, similar to other neutron stars, but with conditions leading to exceptionally strong magnetic fields.

A magnetar is a type of neutron star with a very strong magnetic field, which causes various high-energy astronomical phenomena.

Astronomers detect magnetars by observing their unique emission patterns in high-energy wavelengths, particularly during bursts and flares, using space-based telescopes equipped with x-ray and gamma-ray detectors.

Pulsars are neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation from their magnetic poles, which are observed as pulses when the beam points toward Earth.

No, magnetars cannot be seen with the naked eye due to their extreme distances and the specific wavelengths of their emissions, which are mostly in the x-ray and gamma-ray spectra.

Studying pulsars has applications in testing theories of gravity, improving our understanding of the universe's structure, and developing technologies for precise timekeeping and navigation.

Pulsars are more commonly observed than magnetars. There are thousands of known pulsars, while only about 30 confirmed magnetars exist due to their brief and violent active phases.

Pulsars serve as precise markers for mapping the galaxy's structure and dynamics due to their predictable pulsation patterns and widespread distribution across the galaxy.

Pulsar timing is significant in astrophysics for studying phenomena like binary star systems, gravitational waves, and the interstellar medium, due to the clock-like precision of pulsar emissions.

The differences in magnetic field strength between magnetars and pulsars are thought to arise from the conditions in the star's core during its collapse and the subsequent formation of the neutron star. Magnetars might form under conditions that enhance magnetic field generation.

Some theories suggest that magnetars could evolve into more traditional pulsars as their magnetic fields weaken over time, transitioning into a state where they emit more stable, less intense radiation.

Yes, studying magnetars provides insights into the behavior of magnetic fields under extreme conditions, offering clues about the magnetic properties of various astrophysical environments and their impact on the universe’s evolution.