Canadian Astronomers Discover a Magnetar

Posted by michael on Wednesday November 6, 2002 @04:09AM from the stellar-attraction dept.

trotski writes "The Globe and Mail is running an article about the discovery of a magnetar star by Canadian astronomers. The star, named SGR 1806-20, is located 40,000 light-years from earth. This neutron star is one of only four magnetars ever discovered. Magnetars are characterized by their huge magnetic fields, billions of times stronger than any magnets on Earth. Apparently, if this star was located as far away as the moon, it could demag floppy disks and suck change right out of your pocket."

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Re:Suck Change? by itwerx · 2002-11-06 04:42 · Score: 2, Insightful

Some Canadian coins are...
Re:Magnetic Change by mmontour · 2002-11-06 08:47 · Score: 2, Insightful

In every nickel in your pocket, I wouldn't be surprised to find more than a trace amount of iron.

Nickel (the element) is also ferromagnetic.