Although it is common for new stars to be discovered regularly, on this occasion astronomers have been surprised due to the rarity of the last one found. It is in the Milky Way and is so rare that, to this day, it is only the second star of its kind to have been found. For this reason, the news has become a great occasion for celebration.
From the University of Warwick, in the United Kingdom, they have published a study in which they reveal the discovery of the star J1912-4410, which is specifically a white dwarf pulsar. The most interesting thing is that having found this star means being able to enjoy important advances in research, since it confirms interesting aspects, such as the very existence of more stars in its category. At the same time, there are other aspects that astronomers have explored thanks to this discovery.
Better understanding white dwarfs
As I’m sure you already know, there are still plenty of mysteries in space that are waiting to be solved. Many of them are related to white dwarfs and the evolution of stars. Thanks to this discovery, the astronomers leading the study mention that they now know for sure how the magnetic field of these stars is formed. And the truth is that the explanation is much simpler than one could imagine, since it is parallel to the way in which the Earth’s magnetic field is generated. Thus, what can be found inside white dwarfs is an internal dynamo that is responsible for producing the magnetic field.
For researchers, the new information is a breath of fresh air to advance their studies. The main reason for this is that many of the mysteries that space still hides are related to magnetic fields and the way in which they are generated. Until now, it was unknown how white dwarfs could generate fields as powerful as they are. That they have an internal system like a dynamo is something that fully explains it.
She is the second of her class
Although it can be complicated to explain, it is important to delve into what the existence of a pulsar white dwarf means, since it is not just a white dwarf, nor is it a pulsar. The composition of this type of star is more complex, since it is a white dwarf that is in a binary system in combination with a red dwarf. This produces that, when the rotation of the white dwarf is carried out, a phenomenon occurs that is fascinating.
Although the most logical thing would be to think that the flashes of illumination produced came from the rays emitted by the white dwarf, in reality, something very different is happening. Yes, these rays are produced from the white dwarf, but what actually happens is that they hit the red dwarf. And the result of that impact is what generates its wavelengths.
The first time this was observed was with the discovery of the first star in this category in 2016, which came to be named AR Scorpii. At that time all professional astronomists were equally surprised and excited by what this discovery meant. Now the second star helps to continue with the investigation and this is how the conclusion about the internal dynamo has been reached.
What the experts say is that these stars begin their movement without a magnetic field and that, as they move, they steal mass from the red dwarf. After this, a series of reactions take place inside the white dwarf that start the dynamo system. The rotation then generates magnetic energy which, as it leaves the star, becomes the magnetic field under investigation. But, although this information sounds convincing and has new bases that have pleased astronomers, experts acknowledge that there is still much to discover about this type of white dwarf.
After the discovery of J1912-4410, specialists will continue to observe the Milky Way in search of other stars that fit the same features as AR Scorpii. Because it is very possible that, if two have been found, there are others that can be located. All this would benefit to continue better understanding this type of strange stars.
