Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pulsars Defy Death: Tiny Mountains Unlock Radio Wave Emission

6/25/2025

43 3

Summary

Story summary

Peking University researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: pulsars, the remnants of colossal stars, can defy the expected "death line." The presence of tiny mountains on their surfaces could enhance electric fields, allowing these celestial bodies to emit radio waves long after they should have ceased. This revelation may transform our grasp of neutron stars and hint at their mysterious "strangeon matter" composition.

1 of 1

Story summary

Peking University researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: pulsars, the remnants of colossal stars, can defy the expected "death line." The presence of tiny mountains on their surfaces could enhance electric fields, allowing these celestial bodies to emit radio waves long after they should have ceased. This revelation may transform our grasp of neutron stars and hint at their mysterious "strangeon matter" composition.