Neutron star’s halo could help explain antimatter near Earth

NASA has identified a neutron star, Geminga, as a significant source of antimatter near Earth. This discovery helps explain the unexpected levels of antimatter detected. When a massive star explodes into a supernova, its core can become a neutron star, like Geminga, which emits electrons and positrons. These particles interact with starlight, creating gamma rays. Previously, the magnetic fields scrambled the gamma rays' paths, making it difficult to trace their origins. However, using Fermi data, scientists have now confirmed Geminga as a source of these positrons, contributing about 20% of those detected near Earth.

What phenomenon is associated with the higher than expected amount of antimatter near Earth?

How does a neutron star like Geminga contribute to the presence of positrons near Earth?

What role do gamma rays play in the interaction between positrons and starlight?

What challenges have scientists faced in tracing positrons back to their origins?

According to the study's co-author, what percentage of positrons detected near Earth is contributed by the pulsar Geminga?