Astronomers have discovered a binary star system with a 'black widow' pulsar, a type of neutron star that devours its companion star. The system, known as PSR J0337+1715, was discovered in 2014 and has been studied extensively since then. The pulsar, which spins at a rate of 4,200 times per second, is slowly stripping away material from its companion star, a red dwarf star. This process is known as 'stellar cannibalism'.
The discovery of this system has provided astronomers with a unique opportunity to study the evolution of binary stars and the behavior of pulsars. The system is also a potential source of gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime that are predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.
The research team, led by scientists from the University of Manchester, used the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to observe the system. They were able to measure the pulsar's spin rate, its mass, and the rate at which it is stripping away material from its companion star. This data has allowed them to create a detailed model of the system's evolution.
The discovery of this system has significant implications for our understanding of the universe. It shows that binary stars can evolve in unexpected ways, and that pulsars can have a profound impact on their surroundings. The system is also a reminder of the extreme and violent processes that occur in the universe.