Kiwi scientists have witnessed a one-of-a-kind stellar event as Vela Pulsar star glitches

April 13, 2018

They've been waiting for it to 'glitch' for years.

Scientists have witnessed a once in a life time event after waiting for years for the Vela Pulsar star to glitch.

The event only occurs when the core of the star, which spins separately from the crust, grabs the crust and causes the rotation to speed up. 

AUT Senior lecturer Dr Willem Van Straten says whatever the mechanism was it has transfered the energy to the crust.

"It disrupted the magnetic sphere, and the magnetosphere is powerful.. I think a million times earths magnetic field," he says. 

Scientists at Auckland University of Technology are already on to the next star.

They are hoping their radiotelescope based in Warkworth, north of Auckland will monitor a neutron star called Magnetar

SHARE ME

More Stories