Pulsars: Properties, Radiation, and Discovery - Lecture 8

Pulsars: Properties, Radiation, and Discovery - Lecture 8

Explore the fascinating world of pulsars in this comprehensive lecture by Professor G Srinivasan, part of a summer course on gravity, astrophysics, and cosmology. Delve into the remarkable story of the Crab Nebula, understanding its expansion, emission properties, and the puzzling acceleration of its wisps. Discover the groundbreaking predictions and conjectures that led to the discovery of pulsars, including Pacini's extraordinary hypothesis and Jocelyn Bell's serendipitous detection. Examine the unique characteristics of neutron stars as pulsars, their electrodynamics, and magnetosphere. Investigate the complex mechanisms behind pulsar radiation, from synchrotron radiation to pair creation. Gain insights into the polar cap model, coherence of radio radiation, and the concept of brightness temperature. Conclude with a Q&A session to further explore this captivating topic in astrophysics.