Image for J1713+0747 (a specific pulsar)

J1713+0747 (a specific pulsar)

J1713+0747 is a well-studied pulsar, a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits regular beams of radio waves from its magnetic poles. Situated about 4,600 light-years away, it spins approximately 4.6 milliseconds per rotation. Its precise timing makes it a valuable tool for scientists researching gravitational waves, testing fundamental physics, and probing the interstellar medium. The pulsar's stability and predictable signals allow astronomers to develop highly accurate cosmic clocks, contributing to our understanding of the universe's structure, the behavior of extreme matter, and the effects of gravity on cosmic scales.