Space oddity

[unixronin]

Here's an oddity:  A newly-discovered millisecond pulsar in a cluster near the galactic center is puzzling astronomers because it is spinning faster than some theorists say should be possible.  Estimated to be about two solar masses, the neutron star is spinning at 716 revolutions per second, which (according to current models of neutron star structure) imposes an upper limit of 16 kilometers on its diameter before it would be torn apart by its own rotation.  Current theories say there should be an upper limit at about 700 revolutions per second, and that at this speed it should be radiating vast amounts of energy in the form of intense gravitational waves.

Comments

[bbwoof.livejournal.com]

It looks as if we're just gonna hafta refine the models again, doesn't it?

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

NEVER!!!!! The Book says 700Hz .... the Universe MUST BE WRONG!!!!

(what, me, make social commentary? Never....)

[bbwoof.livejournal.com]

Just to let you know...

I have decided that you are OK*.

You may take that as a compliment.




* Our Kind

[adriang.livejournal.com]

Cool. Thanks.

Adrian

[yndy.livejournal.com]

wowza...

I love stuff like that! post if you see an update on it down the road!! :)