<p>This morning on the radio I heard about the discovery of a pulsar that, due to its proximity to a companion star, was flipping between a state where it emitted radio waves and one where it emitted x-rays. The flipping between states was said to be due to material from the companion star falling onto the pulsar, causing it to rotate more quickly.</p>

<p>What is the significance of this discovery?</p>

<p><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/astronomers-discover-pulsar-undergoing-radical-transformation-8841113.html">This newspaper article from the UK on the discovery</a> contains more information, but doesn't go into detail about <em>why</em> this discovery is important.</p>

<pulsar>
What is the significance of the discovery of a pulsar flipping between radio and x-ray emissions?
Gavin Simpson
# What is the significance of the discovery of a pulsar flipping between radio and x-ray emissions?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-09-26)

This morning on the radio I heard about the discovery of a pulsar that, due to its proximity to a companion star, was flipping between a state where it emitted radio waves and one where it emitted x-rays. The flipping between states was said to be due to material from the companion star falling onto the pulsar, causing it to rotate more quickly.

What is the significance of this discovery?

[This newspaper article from the UK on the discovery](http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/astronomers-discover-pulsar-undergoing-radical-transformation-8841113.html) contains more information, but doesn't go into detail about *why* this discovery is important.

**Tags:** pulsar


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