Magnetar:
A magnetar called 1E 1547.0−5408 has produced the strongest observational case so far that an intense magnetic field can change how light travels through otherwise empty space.
- Magnetars are neutron stars having an ultrahigh magnetic field that are much stronger than the terrestrial magnetic field.
- They are formed in the same way as all neutron stars, through the core-collapse of a massive star in a supernova explosion.
- The idea of a magnetar was first proposed in 1987 and used to successfully explain soft gamma repeaters (SGR) in 1992.
- They are characterised by exceptionally strong magnetic fields, estimated to be a thousand times stronger than typical neutron stars.
- The magnetic field of a magnetar is over one quadrillion times stronger than the magnetic field of Earth.
- What powers the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation in them is the decay of magnetic fields in these objects.
- Besides, magnetars display strong temporal variability, typically including a slow rotation, a rapid spin-down, bright but short bursts going on upto months-long outbursts.
- Occasionally, they emit intense bursts of energy in the form of flares.
