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Chapter 21: Problem 17

What is a pulsar glitch? How does a glitch affect a pulsar's period? What is thought to be the cause of glitches?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A pulsar glitch is a sudden increase in the rotation speed of a neutron star. It affects the pulsar's period by temporarily speeding up the spin rate. The cause of these glitches is thought to be from dynamics within the superfluid core of the neutron star.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of a Pulsar Glitch

A pulsar glitch is a sudden, slight change in the rotation speed of a pulsar, which are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars. They were first observed in the late 1960s.
02

Effect on a Pulsar's Period

A glitch affects the pulsar's period by momentarily speeding up the spin rate. The regular pattern of pulses is temporarily disrupted, causing a glitch when graphically represented, hence the name 'pulsar glitch'.
03

Cause of Glitches

Glitches are thought to be caused by the dynamics of the superfluid core within the neutron star. The inner crust of the star is thought to occasionally 'catch up' to the outer crust, causing a transfer of angular momentum and thus a temporary increase in rotation speed.

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