A recent study reveals that a hot helium-rich Wolf-Rayet star is predicted to evolve into a magnetar upon exploding as a supernova. Magnetars are unique neutron stars with ultra-powerful magnetic fields, emitting intense energy in the form of flares, X-rays, and gamma-ray bursts.
The star’s rotation generates an immense magnetic field due to the possible superconducting nature of its interior. Supernovae, cataclysmic explosions of massive stars, produce heavy elements and release more energy than the sun over billions of years. Wolf-Rayet stars, near the end of their evolution, are rare, luminous, and brief in existence.
Key terms for prelims
- Wolf-Rayet Star: A massive star nearing the end of its life, characterized by high mass loss and intense luminosity. It loses mass rapidly and is detectable for a relatively short period.
- Magnetar: An exotic neutron star with an ultra-powerful magnetic field, emitting flares, X-rays, and gamma-ray bursts. Its unique magnetic properties are attributed to its possible superconducting interior.
- Supernova: A colossal explosion of a massive star, emitting enormous energy and often producing heavy elements. Types include Type I, triggered by nuclear reactions, and Type II, due to gravitational collapse.
- Neutron Star: A dense remnant of a massive star’s core after a supernova explosion, primarily composed of neutrons.
- Ultra-Powerful Magnetic Field: Magnetars possess magnetic fields thousands of times stronger than typical neutron stars, influencing their behavior and energy emissions.
- Superconducting Fluid: A theoretical state of matter where particles can flow without resistance, potentially leading to the creation of strong magnetic fields within celestial objects like magnetars.
- Rotation Dynamo: The process through which a rotating celestial body generates a magnetic field, as proposed for magnetars due to their rapid rotation.