Magnetars

Magnetars

News: Scientists have detected an incredibly energetic flare from a magnetar in the galaxy Messier 82 (M82), marking the most distant such event observed. In just one-tenth of a second, this magnetar released energy equivalent to the Sun\'s output over about 10,000 years, showcasing the immense power of these cosmic phenomena.

About:

• Characteristics of M82
o Located 12 million light-years away in the Ursa Major constellation.
o Known as the cigar galaxy due to its elongated shape when viewed edge-on.
o Exhibits high rates of star formation, making it an active starburst galaxy.
• Giant Flares
o Rare eruptions of gamma rays, releasing immense energy.
o Only two confirmed instances observed in the Milky Way and one in the neighboring Large Magellanic Cloud prior to this discovery.
o Despite at least 30 known magnetars in the Milky Way, giant flares are rarely observed events.
o Giant Flare Mechanism: Originates from reconfiguration and reconnection of the magnetars magnetic field.
• Neutron Stars
o Neutron stars form from the explosive collapse of massive stars.
o Remarkably dense, compressing one or two solar masses into a sphere the size of a city.
• Magnetars
o A type of neutron star characterized by extremely strong magnetic fields, among the most powerful
observed in the universe.
o Powered by their own magnetic energy, distinguishing them from ordinary neutron stars.
o Relatively small and dense objects, with diameters of about 10-15 kilometers, similar to other neutron stars.

Characteristics: