How does a magnetar differ from an ordinary pulsar? What determines whether a pulsar becomes a magnetar?

Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit regular pulses of light and radio waves. Their strong magnetic field and fast rotation speed cause them to emit these pulses of electromagnetic radiation that can be detected on Earth.

Magnetars are a type of neutron star with an extremely powerful magnetic field. These stars are characterized by the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, particularly X-rays and gamma rays. Their magnetic field is up to 1000 times stronger than that of a typical pulsar.

While both pulsars and magnetars are neutron stars, the main distinction lies in their magnetic field strength. Pulsars have strong magnetic fields but magnetars possess extraordinarily strong magnetic fields. The extreme magnetic field of magnetars often results in powerful bursts of X-rays and gamma rays.

The exact process of how a pulsar transforms into a magnetar is still a subject of scientific research, but it is likely related to factors during the star's formation. One theory suggests that magnetars are formed when neutron stars are born with a higher rotation speed, leading to an increased generation of magnetic field. It's also thought that the number of protons in the proto-neutron star can help contribute to the magnetic field's strength, thus determining whether it becomes a magnetar or pathe star's formation. One theory suggests that magnetars are formed when neutron stars are born with a higher rotation speed, leading to an increased generation of magnetic field. It's also thought that the number of protons in the proto-neutron star can help contribute to the magnetic field's strength, thus determining whether it becomes a magnetar or pulsar.