Chinese Radio Telescope Discovers Pulsar with Shortest Orbital Period Ever

Chinese Radio Telescope Discovers Binary Pulsar with Shortest Orbital Period Ever

GUIYANG, June 23 – The 500-meter-diameter single-dish radio telescope, known as FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astronomy. The “Chinese Cosmic Eye” has detected a binary pulsar with an orbital period of 53.3 minutes, the shortest period ever discovered for a pulsar in a binary star system.

The research leading to this discovery was conducted by a team of scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature on Wednesday, June 21.

Pulsars are neutron stars that spin at high speeds, originating from the exploding core of a dying massive star through a supernova explosion. Observing pulsars is a crucial mission of the FAST telescope, as they can be used to confirm the existence of gravitational radiation, study black holes, and help answer other important physics questions.

Jiang Peng, the chief engineer of the FAST Camera, stated that the paired pulsar, named PSR J1953+1844 (M71E), is part of the spider pulsar system with the largest orbit angular velocity. This discovery marks the first time an intermediate state in the evolution from a red-backed spider pulsar to a black widow pulsar has been observed, filling gaps in the theory of spider pulsar evolution.

Astronomical observations have revealed that some pulsars have satellite stars in close orbits. The orbital period of pulsars in evolution is relatively short, and the distance between the two stars is very close, posing a great challenge for observation. However, the FAST telescope’s quick response and detection potential have made it possible to confirm the evolutionary path.

The FAST telescope, located in a natural deep spherical basin in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province, southwestern China, is known as the world’s fastest-responding radio telescope. It officially started operating in January 2020 and opened to the world on March 31, 2021.

This groundbreaking discovery by the FAST telescope showcases China’s advancements in astronomical research and contributes to our understanding of the universe. With its state-of-the-art technology and dedicated team of scientists, the FAST telescope continues to push the boundaries of scientific exploration.

(Xinhua file photo: The 500-meter-diameter Single Dish Radio Telescope, or FAST, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Feb. 13, 2023.)

How does the discovery of a binary pulsar with a record-breaking orbital period provide valuable insights into the dynamics and properties of binary star systems?

Chinese Radio Telescope Makes Historic Discovery of Binary Pulsar with Record-Breaking Orbital Period

In a groundbreaking achievement for the field of astronomy, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), also known as the “Chinese Cosmic Eye,” has detected a binary pulsar with the shortest orbital period ever observed. The 500-meter-diameter single-dish radio telescope, located in Guiyang, China, made this historic discovery.

A binary pulsar is a system in which two neutron stars orbit around a common center of mass. Neutron stars are extremely dense, collapsed cores of massive stars that have gone supernova. Pulsars are highly magnetized neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation. They are known for their incredibly regular and precise rotation.

The research leading to this significant discovery was conducted by a team of scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their findings have been published in a prestigious scientific journal.

The binary pulsar discovered by FAST has an orbital period of only 53.3 minutes, which is an unprecedented record. This means that the two neutron stars complete one orbit around their common center of mass in just over 50 minutes. This discovery gives astronomers valuable insights into the dynamics and properties of binary star systems, as well as the behavior of neutron stars.

The detection of this binary pulsar was made possible by the incredible sensitivity and capabilities of FAST. With its massive size and unique design, the Chinese radio telescope is able to capture and analyze celestial signals with remarkable precision. This enables scientists to observe and study astronomical phenomena in unprecedented detail.

The discovery of a binary pulsar with such a short orbital period opens up new possibilities for further exploration and research in the field of astronomy. It provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study the gravitational interactions between neutron stars and the effects of their intense magnetic fields. This knowledge can contribute to our understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the universe.

The achievement of the Chinese radio telescope reaffirms China’s growing prominence in the field of astronomy. FAST is the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope, surpassing the previous record held by the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. It serves as a testament to China’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and pushing the boundaries of human understanding.

As astronomers continue to explore the depths of the universe with cutting-edge technology, discoveries like this binary pulsar remind us of the infinite wonders that await our exploration. With each new breakthrough, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and expanding our knowledge of the vast universe we inhabit.