What does "ISS" mean?
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ISS stands for Interstellar Scattering. It refers to the way radio waves from pulsars, which are rotating neutron stars, can be affected by tiny particles in space. These particles can cause the waves to be scattered, which can make it harder to measure the exact timing of the pulsar signals.
Why is ISS Important?
Understanding ISS helps scientists study the space between stars, known as the ionised interstellar medium. By examining how the signals are distorted, researchers can learn about how this medium is structured and how it affects the signals we receive from far away pulsars.
How Does ISS Affect Pulsar Signals?
When pulsar signals travel through the ionised space, they can experience two main effects:
- Intensity Scintillation: This is when the signal's strength changes rapidly, making it seem like the pulsar is flickering.
- Pulse Broadening: This is when the pulsar's signals appear to stretch out over time, instead of arriving as sharp pulses.
Both of these effects are caused by tiny changes in the density of the particles in space, which can vary on different scales.
What is the Kolmogorov Spectrum?
In studying ISS, scientists often use a model called the Kolmogorov spectrum, which describes how the density of particles is spread out in space. This model helps in predicting how signals will behave as they move through the ionised medium.
In summary, ISS is a key concept in understanding how signals from pulsars are changed as they travel through space, providing valuable insights into the structure and properties of the interstellar medium.