ScienceJune 30, 2026
pulsar
/ˈpʌlsɑːr/
Definition
A highly magnetized, rapidly rotating dead star that emits precise, regular pulses of radiation, serving as a reliable celestial beacon.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau formed in the late 1960s by combining the words 'pulse' and 'quasar' (or 'star'), reflecting the object's pulsating radio emissions.
In the news
In the article, researchers propose using the predictable signals from pulsars as a form of autonomous GPS for spacecraft, allowing them to navigate deep space without relying on signals from Earth.
New Cohort of KISS Study Programs Push the Frontiers of Space Exploration
Read the full article ↗Caltech