What does "Eccentric Millisecond Pulsars" mean?
Table of Contents
Eccentric millisecond pulsars (eMSPs) are a type of neutron star that spin very rapidly. These stars are formed in binary systems, where one star pulls material from another. While many millisecond pulsars are thought to be in stable orbits, some eMSPs have more stretched-out paths, or eccentric orbits.
Formation
The creation of eMSPs is connected to the way stars interact in binary systems. One common idea is that a massive white dwarf star can collapse into a neutron star after it takes on too much material. This process may lead to the formation of an eMSP. However, this usually results in circular orbits due to the gravitational pull between the two stars.
Unique Characteristics
The unique orbits of eMSPs suggest they come from a specific set of conditions. Their orbital periods and the mass of their companions fall within a narrow range. This has raised questions about why eMSPs differ from regular millisecond pulsars. Some theories suggest that not every binary system ends up forming a stable orbit, and this can explain the eMSPs' unusual paths.
Importance
Studying eMSPs helps scientists learn more about the life cycles of stars and the behaviors in binary systems. The traits of eMSPs can give clues to how stars evolve and interact in ways that we are still trying to understand.