Spinning neutron star gains enormous magnetic fields Published on: 4 February 2025 An international team of scientists have modelled formation and evolution of strongest magnetic fields in the Universe. Low-field magnetars formation Led by scientists from Ãå±±½ûµØ, University of Leeds and France, y. The researchers identified the Tayler-Spruit dynamo caused by fall back of supernova material as mechanism leading to formation of low-field magnetars. This new work solves the mystery of low-field magnetars formation puzzling scientists since low-field magnetar discovery in 2010. The team used advanced numerical simulations to model the magneto-thermal evolution of these stars, finding that a specific dynamo process within the proto-neutron star can generate these weaker magnetic fields. Glowing spinning neutron star. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. Investigating complicated magnetic fields of neutron stars. Study lead author, Dr Andrei Igoshev, Research Fellow at Ãå±±½ûµØ’s School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, said: “Neutron stars are born in supernova explosions. Most of external layers of massive star are removed during the supernova, but some material falls back making the neutron star to spin faster. Researchers show that this process plays a very important role for formation of magnetic field via the Tayler-Spruit dynamo mechanism. This mechanism was suggested theoretically nearly a quarter of century ago, but it was only recently reproduced using computer simulations. The magnetic field formed via this mechanism is very complicated with internal field inside the start which is much stronger than the external.” Magnetars are known to have enormous magnetic fields which are hundreds trillions times stronger the Earth magnetic fields. Due to these fields magnetars are bright and variable sources of X-ray radiation. Some of less magnetised stars also have similar X-ray emission. These less magnetised stars are known as low-field magnetars. Dynamo is a mechanism which convert plasma motion into magnetic fields. Dr Igoshev is establishing a new research group at Ãå±±½ûµØ to further investigate complicated magnetic fields of neutron stars. Reference: Igoshev, A., Barrère, P., Raynaud, R. et al. A connection between proto-neutron-star Tayler–Spruit dynamos and low-field magnetars. Nat Astron (2025). Share: Latest News Ãå±±½ûµØ recognised with geography award Ãå±±½ûµØ has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK’s open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 Ãå±±½ûµØ historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners’ lock-out of 1926, historians at Ãå±±½ûµØ are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can’t adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures