Crab Nebula’s Strange Zebra Pattern Pulsars Could Be Due to Its Unusual Plasma Density

A study reveals the cause behind the Crab Nebula’s zebra radiation pattern: plasma diffraction in the pulsar's magnetosphere.

Advertisement
Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 26 November 2024 19:38 IST
Highlights
  • Crab Nebula’s pulsar exhibits unique zebra-like radiation patterns.
  • Plasma diffraction identified as the cause of the unusual emission.
  • Study unlocks new methods for understanding young neutron stars.
Crab Nebula’s Strange Zebra Pattern Pulsars Could Be Due to Its Unusual Plasma Density

A composite image of the Crab Nebula from Herschel and Hubble telescopes

Photo Credit: NASA, ESA and Allison Loll/Jeff Hester (Arizona State University)

Researchers unveiled a groundbreaking explanation for the mysterious zebra-like radiation pattern observed from the Crab Pulsar, a neutron star located 6,000 light-years away in the centre of the Crab Nebula. The pulsar, which emerged from a supernova recorded in 1054, has intrigued scientists with its unique high-frequency emission, distinct from other pulsars observed to date.

Understanding the Zebra-Like Radiation

In a study published in Physical Review Letters on November 15, the pulsar's peculiar emission was described as resembling a zebra pattern in the electromagnetic spectrum. It was explained by Mikhail Medvedev, a physicist at the University of Kansas.

In a statement released by the university, he attributed the phenomenon to the diffraction of electromagnetic waves caused by plasma in the pulsar's magnetosphere. Medvedev explained that this emission, akin to a lighthouse beam, creates pulses of radiation that we detect as the star rotates.

The zebra pattern was initially detected in 2007, but explanations for it had remained scarce. Medvedev's research identified the band spacing within the pulsar's emissions, proportional to its high-frequency wavelengths between 5 and 30 gigahertz.

Advertisement

Plasma density surrounding the pulsar, described as superheated charged particles, was pinpointed as the cause of the diffraction. This has enabled the use of fringe measurements to map the plasma's density distribution in the magnetosphere.

Implications for Future Research

Medvedev emphasised that the Crab Pulsar's energetic youthfulness—around 1,000 years old—provides a unique opportunity for study. The methodology developed could expand understanding of young neutron stars and even test principles like Einstein's general relativity in known binary pulsars.

Advertisement

The discovery marks a significant step forward in pulsar research, offering tools to decode the intricate behaviours of some of the universe's most energetic objects.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Crab Nebula, Pulsar, Supernova, Space, Science
Advertisement
Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Realme C73 5G With 6,000mAh Battery Launched in India: See Price
  2. Google May Unveil the Pixel 10 Series Much Earlier Than Expected
  3. Exclusive: Huawei Band 10 to Launch in India Priced Under Rs. 5,000
  4. iQOO Neo 10 First Sale in India Kicks Off Today: Price, Offers and Features
  5. Apple's Upcoming Base iPhone 17 May Miss Out on Chipset Upgrade
  6. Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrade Pack Prices Revealed Ahead of Debut
  7. Redmi Pad 2 India Launch, Availability Details and Key Features Teased
  8. Elden Ring Nightreign Sells 2 Million Copies on First Day
  1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Reportedly Receiving New One UI 7-Based Firmware Update in Europe
  2. Meta Reportedly Planning to Replace Human Reviewers With AI for Risk Assessment
  3. Redmi Pad 2 India Launch, Availability Details and Key Features Teased
  4. Outriders Developer People Can Fly Cancels Two Projects, Says Will 'Scale Down' Teams
  5. Honor Magic V5 Launch Timeline Leaked; May Pack the Biggest Battery Ever in a Foldable
  6. Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrade Pack Prices Revealed Ahead of June 5 Debut
  7. Exclusive: Huawei Band 10 With Stress Monitoring, More Features to Launch in India Under Rs. 5,000
  8. Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Reportedly Include Perplexity App as Companies Near Major AI Deal
  9. Google Pixel 10 Series May Launch Earlier Than Usual, Suggests Alleged Pixel Superfans Invite
  10. Bitcoin Falls to $104,900 as Market Undergoes Correction Phase, Most Altcoins See Losses
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.