"FAST Telescope Reveals Surprising 'Dwarf' Pulses and Their Origins"

Astronomers using the FAST telescope have discovered "dwarf pulses" from the pulsar PSR B2111+46, representing a unique radiation state with a rare reversed spectrum. These weak, narrow pulses provide insights into the mysteries of pulsar radiation processes and the extreme plasma conditions within a pulsar's magnetosphere. The observations of PSR B2111+46 revealed dozens of unusually weak pulses during nulling periods, which have been named "dwarf pulses." This new emission state, different from ordinary pulsar radiation, is produced by one or a few "raindrops" of particles generated in a fragile gap of the pulsar. Further study of these dwarf pulses could uncover unknown aspects of pulsar radiation and reveal the extreme plasma state within the pulsar magnetosphere.