magnetar

noun

1. A neutron star or pulsar with an extremely powerful magnetic field, especially those on which starquakes occur, thought to be the source of some gamma-ray bursts.

   This signal could be detected with Advanced LIGO-class detectors up to the distance of the Virgo cluster, where ≥ 1 yr⁻¹ magnetars are expected to form.

Where it comes from

Blend of magnet + pulsar. By surface analysis, magnet + -ar.

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry magnetar (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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