Pulsars are some of the most mysterious objects in the universe. Astronomers are still studying them to see how they work. X-ray pulsars in particular have attracted much attention over the years. Such pulsars seem to go through phases. X-ray pulsars become less luminous once the propeller effect start, and this is something that astronomers want to find out more.
Two particular X-ray pulsars are being studied. They are 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53. Russian scientists from the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MIPT and Pulkovo Observatory are studying these two X-ray pulsars. These two pulsars emit X-ray, and then go through big outburst before disappearing.
Pulsars are neutron stars that spin very fast. A number of these neutron stars are part of a binary star system. Since these neutron stars are so dense, they can take matter from their companion star. This matter then go towards the neutron star. This material is usually concentrated at the neutron star's poles, and as they swirl around the neutron star. As they swirl, the gases and matter heat up. This produces the X-ray associated with neutron stars.
Some of these neutron stars have a skewed magnetic axis. This would make the X-ray being sent to rotate that it acts like a beacon. The signals of these pulsars might have regular intervals, according to Phys Org.
The two X-ray pulsars have companions that belong to the Be class of stars. Such stars have a bulge at its equator from which the neutron star takes matter. However this material is soon depleted, and once that happens the neutron star cannot hold on to the matter. Accretion then declines, and as it does so the X-ray being emitted also ceases. This is known as the propeller phase of the pulsar.
Studying a pulsar in its propeller phase can have challenges for astronomers, as Nanowerk reports. This is because at this point the pulsars have low luminosity. Detecting the neutron star then can be hard. With new instruments and equipment though it should be much easier to study these stars. Astronomers are using this propeller phase to learn more about the neutron star's magnetic field.
Professor Alexander Lutinov, a Professor at MIPT and head of Laboratory at the Space Research Institute said that the study of the pulsar's magnetic field is of great importance, as it could give much information about how the pulsars evolved. As X-ray pulsars become less luminous once its propeller effect start, astronomers are given a chance to study them to understand them better. Also being studied is a new super Earth that is close to our solar system.
