Astronomers using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) in China have made an exciting discovery: a new pulsar named PSR J1922+37. This pulsar, with a spin period of 1.92 seconds, was detected in the direction of the open cluster NGC 6791.
Significance of the Discovery PSR J1922+37 is notable because it could be the first pulsar discovered in an open cluster. Open clusters are typically less dense than globular clusters, making pulsar discoveries in these regions rare2. If confirmed, this discovery could provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of pulsars in different stellar environments.
Details of the Discovery The pulsar was found with a dispersion measure of 85 pc/cm³ and a flux density of approximately 7.0 µJy. Its position aligns closely with NGC 6791, with an offset of about 14 arcminutes from the cluster’s center. The estimated distance to the pulsar is 15,600 light-years, consistent with the distance range of NGC 6791.
Future Research Researchers are conducting further studies to confirm the association of PSR J1922+37 with NGC 6791. Precise measurements of the pulsar’s distance and proper motion will be crucial in establishing this connection1. The discovery also raises the possibility that NGC 6791 may host additional pulsars, given its dense stellar environment.
This discovery marks a significant milestone in the study of pulsars and open clusters, potentially opening new avenues for understanding these fascinating celestial objects.