Neutron Star vs. Pulsar — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 20, 2023

A Neutron Star is the collapsed core of a massive star after a supernova. A Pulsar is a rotating Neutron Star emitting beams of radiation from its poles.

Difference Between Neutron Star and Pulsar

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

A Neutron Star is the incredibly dense core remnants of a supernova, the explosive death of a massive star. These stars have exhausted their nuclear fuel, leading to a gravitational collapse and an explosion, leaving behind this dense core. On the other hand, a Pulsar is a specific type of Neutron Star.

Nov 20, 2023

Pulsars are Neutron Stars that emit beams of radiation out of their magnetic poles. As these stars rotate, the beams sweep across the universe, much like the beam of a lighthouse. If the Earth is in the path of this beam, we can detect pulses of radiation, leading to the name "Pulsar."

Nov 20, 2023

It's important to understand that while all Pulsars are Neutron Stars, not all Neutron Stars are Pulsars. This is because not every Neutron Star has the precise conditions, orientation, or characteristics to emit detectable beams of radiation.

Nov 20, 2023

A Neutron Star can potentially become a Pulsar under the right conditions. Over time, the emitted radiation from a Pulsar can wane, turning the Pulsar back into a non-pulsing Neutron Star.

Nov 20, 2023

In essence, while both Neutron Stars and Pulsars relate to the end stages of star evolution, Pulsars represent a specific, active, and observable subset of Neutron Stars that emit beams of radiation.

Nov 20, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Definition

Dense core remnants of a supernova.

A rotating Neutron Star emitting beams of radiation.

Nov 20, 2023

Emission

Does not necessarily emit detectable beams of radiation.

Emits beams of radiation from its poles.

Nov 20, 2023

Rotation

Rotates but without detectable beams.

Rotation causes detectable beams, like a cosmic lighthouse.

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Universality

All Pulsars are Neutron Stars.

Not all Neutron Stars are Pulsars.

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Lifecycle

Can potentially become a Pulsar.

Can revert to a non-pulsing Neutron Star over time.

Nov 20, 2023

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Compare with Definitions

Neutron Star

A highly compacted remnant of a supernova.

The Neutron Star's density is so immense that a teaspoon of its material would weigh billions of tons.

Oct 16, 2023

Pulsar

A rotating Neutron Star emitting beams of electromagnetic radiation.

The Pulsar's beams sweep across the Earth, creating a lighthouse effect in space.

Oct 16, 2023

Neutron Star

A celestial body primarily composed of neutrons.

The intense gravity of a Neutron Star crushes protons and electrons together to form neutrons.

Oct 16, 2023

Pulsar

A celestial body that emits regular pulses of radiation.

Astronomers detected a Pulsar due to its consistent rhythmic emissions.

Oct 16, 2023

Neutron Star

A star with strong gravitational forces due to its compressed state.

The gravitational field around a Neutron Star is so strong that it bends light around it.

Oct 16, 2023

Pulsar

The cosmic equivalent of a lighthouse due to its rotating beams.

Mariners have lighthouses for guidance, while astronomers have Pulsars.

Oct 16, 2023

Neutron Star

The final evolutionary state of a massive star after a supernova.

Astronomers found a Neutron Star in the center of the Crab Nebula.

Oct 16, 2023

Pulsar

A Neutron Star with beams of light emerging from its magnetic poles.

As the Pulsar rotates, its beams of light can be observed from Earth.

Oct 16, 2023

Neutron Star

The super-dense leftover core of a massive star's explosion.

The Neutron Star is the stellar corpse that remains after the fireworks of a supernova.

Oct 16, 2023

Pulsar

A fast-spinning star that releases detectable beams as it rotates.

The rapid rotation of the Pulsar produces a flashing effect in the night sky.

Oct 16, 2023

Pulsar

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.

Oct 14, 2023

Pulsar

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

Oct 14, 2023

Pulsar

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

Oct 14, 2023

Common Curiosities

How is a Pulsar related to a Neutron Star?

A Pulsar is a specific type of rotating Neutron Star that emits beams of radiation from its poles.

Nov 20, 2023

How are Pulsars detected?

Pulsars are detected by the regular pulses of radiation they emit as they rotate.

Nov 20, 2023

How long do Pulsars pulse?

The pulsing duration varies, but over time, some Pulsars can stop emitting detectable beams.

Nov 20, 2023

What is a Neutron Star?

A Neutron Star is the incredibly dense core remnants of a supernova, the explosive death of a massive star.

Nov 20, 2023

How do Pulsars emit beams of radiation?

Pulsars emit beams due to their strong magnetic fields and rapid rotation.

Nov 20, 2023

Can a Neutron Star become a Pulsar?

Yes, under the right conditions, a Neutron Star can become a Pulsar.

Nov 20, 2023

What causes a star to become a Neutron Star?

A star becomes a Neutron Star after undergoing a supernova explosion, leaving behind the dense core.

Nov 20, 2023

Is it possible to see a Neutron Star with the naked eye?

No, due to their small size and often faint emissions, Neutron Stars are not visible to the naked eye.

Nov 20, 2023

Are all Neutron Stars Pulsars?

No, while all Pulsars are Neutron Stars, not all Neutron Stars are Pulsars.

Nov 20, 2023

Why is a Neutron Star so dense?

A Neutron Star's immense density results from the gravitational collapse of a massive star, crushing protons and electrons into neutrons.

Nov 20, 2023

Do Pulsars have a fixed frequency of pulses?

While many Pulsars have a consistent pulse frequency, some can vary or even turn off temporarily.

Nov 20, 2023

How massive is a Neutron Star?

A Neutron Star typically has a mass between 1.1 to 3 times that of the Sun but in a radius of about 10 kilometers.

Nov 20, 2023

What's the difference between a Pulsar and a Quasar?

A Pulsar is a rotating Neutron Star emitting radiation, while a Quasar is an extremely bright and energetic center of a distant galaxy.

Nov 20, 2023

How was the first Pulsar discovered?

The first Pulsar was discovered in 1967 by Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish through radio observations.

Nov 20, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.