Question

A pulsar is a(n)

A) rapidly spinning neutron star.
B) type of variable star, pulsating rapidly in size and brightness.
C) very precise interstellar beacon perhaps operated by intelligent life forms.
D) accretion disk around a black hole, emitting light as matter is accumulated on the disk.

Answer 1

A pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star that emits rapid pulses of radiation at regular intervals, like a lighthouse sweeping its beam in a circle. It is a compact object of extremely high density composed almost entirely of neutrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star. It is a compact object of extremely high density composed almost entirely of neutrons. Pulsars emit rapid pulses of radiation at regular intervals, like a lighthouse sweeping its beam in a circle. The pulsar's beam of radiation is detectable on Earth if it is pointing towards us.