A Signal in the Scruff
In 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a Cambridge graduate student, detected an unusual, repetitive signal while analyzing data from a massive radio telescope. Dubbed “scruff,” the pulses occurred every 1.33 seconds, unlike anything astronomers had seen before.
Deciphering the Mystery
Bell Burnell and her supervisor, Antony Hewish, ruled out earthly interference and humorously nicknamed the signal “LGM-1” for “Little Green Men.” Eventually, they discovered more signals in the sky, each with unique pulse rates, pointing to a groundbreaking celestial phenomenon.
The Birth of Pulsar Research
Published in 1968, the discovery revealed pulsars—rapidly spinning neutron stars emitting beams of radiation. These stars, only 13 miles wide but denser than Mount Everest, rotate like lighthouses, their beams detectable from Earth.
Legacy of Pulsars
Pulsars proved the existence of neutron stars, enhanced understanding of space-time, and offered insights into Einstein’s relativity. Their precise timing rivals atomic clocks, with potential use in deep-space navigation. Bell Burnell’s work remains a cornerstone of astrophysics, inspiring ongoing exploration.
In 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a Cambridge graduate student, detected an unusual, repetitive signal while analyzing data from a massive radio telescope. Dubbed “scruff,” the pulses occurred every 1.33 seconds, unlike anything astronomers had seen before.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/6S7gPIQz2S
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 21, 2025