FAST telescope discovers new pulsar PSR J1922+37 in open cluster NGC 6791

A new pulsar, PSR J1922+37, with a spin period of 1.92 seconds has been discovered using the Five Hundred Meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in China, according to a report. According to sources, this discovery was made in the direction of the open cluster NGC 6791. If confirmed as a member of this cluster, it would be the first pulsar identified in an open cluster, marking a breakthrough in pulsar and stellar cluster research.

Key Specifications of PSR J1922+37

The discovery was reported in a paper published Dec. 11 arXiv Preprint Server. As reported, the pulsar PSR J1922+37 has been observed with a dispersion measurement of 85 pc/cm³ and a flux density of about 7.0 µJy. Its position aligns closely with the location of NGC 6791, at a distance of 14 arcminutes from the center of the cluster. The estimated distance to the pulsar, 15,600 light-years, is consistent with the distance limit of the cluster, which is calculated to be between 13,100 and 16,000 light-years.

According to the study led by Xiao-Jin Liu of Beijing Normal University, NGC 6791’s dense stellar atmosphere increases the likelihood that a pulsar exists within the cluster. The researchers suggested that precise measurements of the distance and proper motion of PSR J1922+37 would be necessary to confirm its association with NGC 6791.

Potential for further discoveries

The researchers indicated that NGC 6791’s compact and high surface brightness atmosphere may host additional pulsars. One estimate given in the study suggests that nine pulsars may exist within this cluster. The team noted that further observations using advanced techniques could help verify these predictions.

The report further described the discovery as an important development in the understanding of pulsars within open clusters, with the field of study previously limited due to the low stellar density in such regions. Verification of the cluster membership of PSR J1922+37 will require additional studies, including appropriate motion analysis, to establish a definitive connection.