Evidence for $10^{12}$ ‐gauss field on neutron star

JUN 01, 1977

A sharp spike in the x‐ray energy spectrum from Hercules X‐1 may have provided the first direct measurement of the magnetic flux on the surface of a neutron star. The German discoverers of this peak have interpreted it as cyclotron emission from electrons circulating around magnetic field lines in the polar region of the star. The associated magnetic field strength would be about ${5×10}^{12}$ gauss, in good agreement with theoretical predictions that the field on the surface of neutron stars should range from $10^{10}$ to $10^{13}$ gauss.

This article is only available in PDF format

Related content

News

Article

Kathrin Spendier leads a multimillion-dollar quantum competition

November 25, 2025 03:11 PM

News

Article

Lexie Weikert creates business plans in the space industry

November 20, 2025 11:37 AM

News

Article

Q&A: Kate Marvel on the physics and emotions of climate change

The astrophysicist turned climate physicist connects science with people through math and language.

November 19, 2025 11:06 AM

News

Article

With eye on future, Lowell Observatory shaves jobs, focuses science

As scientists scramble to land on their feet, the observatory’s mission remains to conduct science and public outreach.

November 18, 2025 12:49 PM

This Content Appeared In

Volume 30, Number 6

Get PT in your inbox

Physics Today - The Week in Physics

The Week in Physics" is likely a reference to the regular updates or summaries of new physics research, such as those found in publications like Physics Today from AIP Publishing or on news aggregators like Phys.org.

Physics Today - Table of Contents

Physics Today - Whitepapers & Webinars

Evidence for 1012‐gauss field on neutron star

Evidence for $10^{12}$ ‐gauss field on neutron star