Pulsar
A highly magnetized, rapidly rotating neutron star that emits focused beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles.
Governing formula
P_spin ~ 1.4 ms to 10 s, P_dot = dP / dt
SI unit
Milliseconds to Seconds (Rotation Period)
In depth
Due to misalignment between magnetic and rotational axes, the radiation beam sweeps across space like a lighthouse. Earth detects periodic radio pulses matching the star's rotation frequency.
Examples in the real world
The Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar (PSR B1913+16) providing early indirect proof of gravitational wave energy loss.