The spider eclipse secret
In the quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe, we have another fantastic feat. It's the discovery of gamma-ray eclipse in spider star systems made possible by the remarkable Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.
The tireless efforts of scientists over a decade have resulted in the discovery of seven spiders that undergo gamma ray eclipse. This gamma-ray eclipse occurs when the emission of gamma rays from a binary star system decreases or disappears temporarily. This can be caused by the companion star blocking the emission of gamma rays from the pulsar.
An orbiting star begins to eclipse its partner.
By studying these eclipses, astronomers can gain new insights into the behavior of matter in extreme environments and the evolution of binary star systems. For example, the duration and depth of the eclipse can provide information about the size and shape of the companion star and its orbit around the pulsar. This information can then be used to understand better the processes that drive the transfer of matter and energy between the two stars.
In addition, the study of gamma-ray eclipses is also contributing to our understanding of high-energy astrophysics. For instance, the sudden disappearance of gamma rays can reveal new details about the emission mechanisms of pulsars and the behavior of matter in these systems.
What are pulsars and spider star systems?
Pulsars are highly-magnetized, rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation out of their magnetic poles. As the pulsar rotates, these radiation beams are visible to us as pulses of light, which give the object its name (pulsar). Pulsars were first discovered in 1967; since then, thousands of them have been identified. They are incredibly dense, with a mass similar to the sun but size only a few kilometers across, making them some of the densest objects in the universe. Pulsars are also known for their highly stable rotation, making them useful for various astronomical applications, including the study of binary systems, the detection of gravitational waves, and the investigation of the interstellar medium.
The "Spider" star system is a pulsar system consisting of a rapidly rotating neutron star (pulsar) and a companion star that orbits around it. The pulsar emits radiation beams visible as pulses of light each time the beam points toward Earth. The companion star is often referred to as the "Spider" because its gravity affects the pulsar's radiation and causes it to form a spider-like pattern. Studying these systems provides valuable information about the evolution of binary star systems and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.
More on Fermi's gamma-ray telescope
Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a space-based observatory designed to study gamma rays, the universe's highest-energy form of light. It was launched in 2008 and is operated by NASA and the US Department of Energy. The telescope uses gamma-ray detectors to observe emissions from celestial sources such as black holes, supernovae, and pulsars. The data collected by Fermi has contributed to a better understanding of high-energy astrophysics and has revealed new classes of gamma-ray sources, such as gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei.
To conclude, The discovery of gamma-ray eclipses in spider star systems is a shining example of the limitless potential of human curiosity and scientific advancements. The continued study of gamma-ray eclipses and the use of powerful observatories like Fermi are sure to uncover even more remarkable discoveries in the years to come.
For further reading :
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230126124406.htm
-Shreya Verma (MS21067)
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