In the context of motorcycles, a Pulsar is a popular series of motorcycles manufactured by Bajaj Auto, an Indian two-wheeler company. The Pulsar line of motorcycles is known for its sporty design, performance-oriented features, and a wide range of models catering to different segments of riders.
In astronomy, a pulsar is a highly magnetized, rotating neutron star or white dwarf that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation out of its magnetic poles. These beams are observed as regular pulses of radiation, hence the name "pulsar."
Pulsars are formed through the process of stellar evolution. When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it undergoes a supernova explosion. If the remaining core mass after the explosion is about 1.4 to 3 times the mass of the Sun (known as the Chandrasekhar limit), it collapses under its own gravity and forms a neutron star. Neutron stars are incredibly dense, with a mass greater than that of the Sun packed into a sphere with a diameter of about 20 kilometers.
During the collapse, the conservation of angular momentum causes the star to rotate rapidly. As the neutron star spins, it emits beams of radiation from its magnetic poles, which are not aligned with its rotational axis. These beams sweep across space as the star rotates, resulting in periodic pulses of radiation that can be detected from Earth.
Pulsars are fascinating astronomical objects and have provided valuable insights into various areas of astrophysics, including the study of extreme states of matter, gravity, and the behavior of magnetic fields in compact objects.