The first successful observation of pulsars in the VIRAC history

November 23, 2022

On November 22 of this year, the first successful observation of a pulsar was made in VIRAC history. This observation was made using the LOFAR station. The pulsar J0332+5434 (RA - 03:32:59.368, DEC -+54:34:43.57) was observed in the 110 - 190 MHz band. The results of this observation provide new opportunities for research at VIRAC and expand the possibilities of international collaboration.

 

The pulsar that was observed is about 3,460 light-years away in the constellation Camelopardalis. It makes one revolution every 0.71452 seconds and is about 5 million years old. 

 

The observation was carried out in cooperation with three structural units of the VIRAC - the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department, the High-Performance Computing Department and the Engineering & Technical Operations group; in coordination with researchers from Université d’Orléans (France) and Universität Bielefeld (Germany). In addition, the great support of the ILT society should be noted. The obtained results confirm the high level of competence and experience accumulated over time. 


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