Eccentric pulsar system challenges theories of binary formation

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A comparison of the orbits of the pulsar J19030327 and its possible sun-like companion star with the orbit of the Earth around the sun. The objects sizes are not to scale. Bill Saxton NRAOAUINSF
A comparison of the orbits of the pulsar J1903+0327 and its possible sun-like companion star with the orbit of the Earth around the sun. The objects' sizes are not to scale. Bill Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF

An ongoing sky survey using the Cornell-managed Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico has turned up a massive, fast-spinning binary pulsar with a mysterious elongated orbit, researchers say. The pulsar and its companion star challenge currently accepted views of binary pulsar formation and give researchers a new opportunity for understanding the fundamental properties of highly dense matter.


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