Stars bolster Einstein’s theory

Astronomers have observed a dwarf star in the Musca constellation with a mass so great that it distorts space-time. Its companion, a pulsar, orbits the dwarf star in a rapid five-hour cycle. The white dwarf, though Earth-sized, is far denser. The pulsar, a supernova remnant, emits neutrons. The white dwarf's gravity and spin cause frame-dragging, affecting the pulsar's motion. This phenomenon, observed by Australian telescopes, supports Einstein's theory of general relativity.

What is the primary effect of the dwarf star's mass in the Musca constellation?

• It emits strong radiation.

• It absorbs nearby planets.

• It creates a new star.

• It distorts space and time.

How does the pulsar relate to the dwarf star in the Musca constellation?

• It is a black hole.

• It is larger than the dwarf star.

• It orbits the dwarf star every five hours.

• It is a newly formed star.

What is a key characteristic of the white dwarf compared to Earth?

• It is the same size as the Sun.

• It has a similar mass to Earth.

• It is less dense than Earth.

• It is hundreds of thousands of times denser than Earth.

What happens to protons and electrons in the pulsar?

• They create black holes.

• They are crushed to emit neutrons.

• They emit light.

• They form new stars.

What phenomenon observed by Australian telescopes supports Einstein's theory?

• The collision of galaxies.

• The creation of new stars.

• The expansion of the universe.

• Frame-dragging caused by the white dwarf.