Pulsar polarization

thingiverse

This image captures the intense polarization of radio signals emanating from pulsar PSR J0337+1715. The neutron star's powerful magnetic field generates waves that sweep across the sky in a rapid rotation cycle, producing a repetitive signal detectable on Earth. A significant portion of this signal is polarized, indicating that it has been influenced by the magnetism present at its emission site. This phenomenon showcases the polarization properties. An elliptically polarized wave displays an electric field vector tip tracing out a spiral path. The elliptical shape of this spiral holds the key to understanding polarization: the orientation and length of its long axis reveal linear polarization characteristics, while the length of its short axis discloses circular polarization details, with the spiral's direction indicating the sign of circular polarization.