Astronomers find new type of neutron star

Posted on Thursday, February 16 2006 @ 17:00 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
A team of scientists have discovered a whole new type of cosmic object. The astronomers say the small, high compressed neutron stars they found, named Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs) are likely related to pulsars.
Neutron stars are the staggeringly dense cores of massive stars left behind after supernova explosions. The objects contain one and a half times the mass of our own sun packed into a space the size of a large city.

"These [new objects] are basically a new type of neutron star, but we're not exactly sure how they fit together with the other types," said astronomer Ingrid Stairs, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
More details over at National Geographic.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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