The Star That Trolled Astronomers

The video explores the discovery and characteristics of pulsars, initially mistaken for alien signals. Pulsars are neutron stars formed from supernovae, with dense cores and strong magnetic fields. They emit radiation beams as they spin, similar to a lighthouse. Some pulsars exist in binary systems, affecting their rotation speed and leading to the discovery of exoplanets. Unique pulsar systems challenge current astronomical understanding.

What was the initial thought about the blips detected by Bernel and Huish?

• They were interference from Earth.

• They were a natural phenomenon.

• They were an alien beacon.

• They were signals from a new planet.

What is the primary composition of a neutron star?

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Electrons

• Iron

How do pulsars emit beams of electromagnetic radiation?

• From their companion stars

• Due to their strong magnetic fields

• By their rapid rotation

• Through their gravitational pull

What causes a neutron star to spin faster after a supernova?

• Decrease in size

• Gain of companion star

• Increase in mass

• Loss of magnetic field

What is a unique feature of millisecond pulsars?

• They have the slowest rotation.

• They emit visible light.

• Their rotation can be measured in milliseconds.

• They are the largest pulsars.

How were the first exoplanets discovered?

• By observing their light

• Through radio signals

• Through their gravitational effect on a pulsar

• By detecting their heat

What is unusual about the smaller pulsar in the only known binary pulsar system?

• It is not part of a binary system.

• It has a very large mass.

• It did not explode in a typical supernova.

• It emits no radiation.