Unraveling the Mystery of Magnetar Formation
Located on the outer edges of the Milky Way, a rare and enigmatic type of star known as a magnetar has recently captured the attention of astronomers, leaving them puzzled by its origins.
Utilizing data from the Hubble and Gaia telescopes, scientists have delved into the surroundings of SGR 0501+4516, a specific type of neutron star classified as a magnetar. Surprisingly, their investigation has led to a realization that challenges the existing theories on how magnetars come into existence.
Neutron stars, known for being one of the densest objects in the Universe, are believed to form through core-collapse supernovae events when massive stars reach the end of their life cycles. Magnetars, however, possess an exceptionally powerful magnetic field, making them distinct from typical neutron stars.
Previously, it was assumed that magnetars also originated from core-collapse supernovae. SGR 0501+4516 seemed to support this hypothesis due to its proximity to a supernova remnant called HB9. However, recent observations have cast doubt on this association.
The combined data from the Hubble Space Telescope and Gaia mission revealed that the movement of SGR 0501+4516 does not align with the remnants of HB9, leading astronomers to reconsider the star’s formation history.
One possibility is that SGR 0501+4516 is much older than initially thought, with its supernova remnant having dissipated over time. Alternatively, it is proposed that the magnetar may have formed through a different process, such as a merger involving low-mass neutron stars or even a white dwarf.
White dwarfs, which are less dense than neutron stars, can undergo a collapse into a neutron star under specific conditions. This alternative scenario challenges the conventional belief that magnetars arise solely from core-collapse supernovae.
These new insights into the formation of magnetars not only deepen our understanding of these enigmatic stars but also have implications for various astrophysical phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts and fast radio bursts.
The study, shedding light on the origins of magnetars, has been published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, marking a significant milestone in unraveling the mysteries of these cosmic entities.
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