Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Canadian Astronomers Discover a Magnetar

Posted by michael on 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."

2 of 79 comments (clear)

  1. Magnetic Change by virtros · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Uhh. last time i checked, pocket change isn't magnetic. Maybe you're confusing it with the washers you use to defeat the arcade machines? v

    --
    Worst. Sig. Ever.
  2. Apparently by commonchaos · · Score: 3, Redundant

    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.

    Yes, and if this star was located as far away from earth as the moon, we would also be dead.