Magnetars

Magnetars are very dangerous stars, and here’s why.

Magnetars are Neutron stars that have a very powerful magnetic force, due to their magnetic field.

Magnetars are extremely dense, and rotate very rapidly, something like around 600 to 700 times per second, however Magnetars life cycle’s are very short compared to normal stars.

Due to their volatility and extreme magnetism, Magnetars can produce lengthy Gemma Rays that can be detected from Earth. This is one of the ways that Magnetars can be detected.

The extreme magnetism of Magnetars make these stars very dangerous to anything that may come into contact with them. If a Magnetar was come within any relatively close distance to the Earth, the consequences would be disastrous.  

How Magnetars are formed

Magnetars are created when a supernova from a normal star bursts. Either a Neutron, Pulsar or a Magnetar can be formed. The temperature, spin and the magnetic field will determine is the Magnetar is formed. Good for the life of the Magnetar, bad for the life of the universe, as it makes the universe that little bit more dangerous. !!

 

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Magnetars are the most powerful magnets in the universe.  

# 2. Electrons & Protons fused together created Neutrons. Neutrons make up Neutron stars and Magnetars.

# 3. Magnetars are 1000 times more magnetic than normal Neutron stars.

# 4. Neutron stars are 2 trillion times more magnetic than the Earth.  

 

Q&A Corner

Q: What are Magnetars?

Q: How are Magnetars formed?

Q: How much more magnetic are Magnetars to other stars? 

Q: How rapidly do Magnetars rotate?

Q: What is one of the ways Magnetars are detected?

Download questions about Magnetars here: Magnetars (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on Stars. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets

For further reading and more information on Magnetars visit www.space.com/magnetars