What does magnetar mean?
A magnetar is a neutron star, the exceptionally dense remnant of a collapsed massive star, whose magnetic field is extraordinarily powerful. Such a field may be trillions of times stronger than Earth's and can accelerate charged particles and drive spectacular bursts of electromagnetic radiation. These bursts, sometimes called magnetar flares, can release more energy in a fraction of a second than the Sun emits over hours or days. Magnetars are therefore important objects for studying extreme magnetic fields, neutron-star interiors, and the behavior of matter under extraordinary conditions. The word combines “magnet” with the suffix “-ar,” giving it the form of a technical astronomical name. It should not be confused with a pulsar: although many neutron stars can appear as pulsars, a magnetar is specifically defined by its immense magnetic field.
nounA magnetar is a neutron star with an exceptionally strong magnetic field, capable of releasing enormous bursts of electromagnetic radiation. Its magnetic field may be trillions of times stronger than Earth's.
- A neutron star possessing an exceptionally powerful magnetic field.
"The magnetar emitted a flash visible from across the galaxy."
"Astronomers detected a magnetar flare that briefly outshone the galaxy in which it occurred."
"The collapse of a massive star may produce a magnetar with a magnetic field unlike anything found in ordinary stars."
The plural is magnetars; a single neutron star with an exceptionally strong magnetic field.
"The survey identified several magnetars near the center of the galaxy."
A magnetar can have a magnetic field trillions of times stronger than Earth's, making it one of the most extreme objects known in the universe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magnetar come from?
The word magnetar was formed in the late twentieth century from magnet, ultimately derived through Old French and Latin from the Greek magnētis lithos, “stone of Magnesia.” The suffix -ar was added to create a technical term for a magnetized star. The word also echoes magnes, from which magnetic and magnetism developed.
Related word forms
How magnetar is actually used
The term is primarily used in astronomy and astrophysics. It is a scientific designation rather than a general term for any strongly magnetized object.
Easily confused with magnetar
A magnetar is a type of neutron star with an exceptionally strong magnetic field, whereas a pulsar is a rotating neutron star observed through regular pulses of electromagnetic radiation.
A magnet is an object or device that produces a magnetic field, while a magnetar is a magnetized neutron star.