Title: Indian and Australian Astronomers Use Upgraded Observatory to Uncover Secrets of Pulsar PSR J0026–1955
In a groundbreaking study, astronomers from India and Australia have harnessed the power of the upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) to delve into the mysteries of a pulsar known as PSR J0026–1955. The findings, recently published on the preprint server arXiv, have shed new light on subpulse drifting and nulling behavior, two phenomena that have intrigued scientists for years.
Pulsars, which are highly magnetized rotating neutron stars emitting beams of electromagnetic radiation, are typically detected through short bursts of radio emission. Subpulse drifting refers to the drifting of radio emission within the main pulse profile of a pulsar, while nulling describes the sudden cessation of emission followed by its restoration.
Discovered in 2018 and boasting a spin period of approximately 1.306 seconds, PSR J0026–1955 proved to be an exceptional subject for study. The observations conducted using the uGMRT telescope have revealed that this particular pulsar displays uncommon drifting behavior, showcasing both evolutionary and non-evolutionary drift rates.
Within PSR J0026–1955, astronomers identified two distinct subpulse drifting modes: A and B. Mode A, in turn, was further divided into A0, A1, and A2 based on the evolutionary behavior of the drift rate. This discovery adds valuable knowledge to the understanding of the complex nature of pulsar emissions.
The study also unearthed evidence of short and long nulls in the emission emanating from PSR J0026–1955. Impressively, an estimated nulling fraction of approximately 58% was determined. While this fraction is lower than previous observations, the authors posit that variations in observation lengths or other unknown factors might have influenced this discrepancy.
Moreover, the researchers discovered a remarkable phenomenon known as subpulse memory, indicating uninterrupted discharge during null periods within the pulsar. This intriguing find highlights the potential for further investigation into the inner workings of pulsars and their intricate dynamics.
Drawing conclusions from their research, the team noted that PSR J0026–1955 represents only a small fraction of pulsars that exhibit unique characteristics such as subpulse drifting, nulling, mode changing, and drift rate evolution. By deepening our understanding of these enigmatic celestial objects, scientists may unlock further insights into the broader nature of the universe.
The astronomers’ use of the upgraded uGMRT and their groundbreaking study underscore the importance of international collaboration in advancing our knowledge of astronomical phenomena. With each new discovery, we move closer to unraveling the universe’s deepest secrets and expanding our understanding of the cosmos.
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